Red Fever

April 25th, 2010 | by: Eric | View Comments

Anticipation for the upcoming World Cup is in full swing in South Korea as the nation prepares for a repeat of their success in 2002. Using the power of selective memory, the Koreans have all but forgotten about their disappointing German adventure four years ago as if it never happened.

The nation still prides itself on 2002 in ways that are visible in everyday life. From hotels and stadiums named after then manager Guus Hiddink, to World Cup plaques and memorials smattered about the nation, the success and glory of the 2002 finals are remembered everywhere. Like the re-runs of American Idol and Friends that plague American television on a daily basis, Korean broadcasting companies fill air time with a seemingly endless highlight show of the 2002 World Cup showing each goal of the finals from a dozen different angles. I have to admit though; it was a pretty good watch the first few times around and now I feel like somewhat of an expert on goals of the Korean finals. Even the announcers have a camera trained on them for 90 minutes documenting their reactions during the run of play.

With just a few months left until the tournament heads to Africa for its maiden voyage, the Korean National Team is in full preparation mode as well. With tune-up games planned against Ecuador, Japan, Belarus, and Spain, coach Huh Jung-moo is in the process of finalizing his 23 man roster for South Africa and getting the squad ready for a Group B that will surely put the Red Devils to the test.

For the next few months I’ll be taking the reins of the South Korean page. American by birth, I’m currently spending a year working in South Korea and will be lending my thoughts and musings on the scene here as the squad and an entire nation prepares for the finals. We’ll discuss the preparation of the team, news on the roster and upcoming matches, as well as insight into key players to watch (yes, they do field players other than Park Ji-sung!). With the “Go Red’s” movement ramping up all across Korea and national pride on display everywhere, it’s hard not to pull for another Korean success story. As as long as they aren’t facing off against the Americans I think I’ve found my second team!