South Korea Soccer Team
The South Korea national football team have
been one of Asia's more successful sides
since they made their debut at the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Korea, in ancient times, had a ball game called
'chuk-guk' very similar in form to contemporary football.
However, Koreans first saw the present version of football
in 1882 when British crew members played a game while their
vessel was visiting the lnchon Port.
In 1921, the first All Korea Football Tournament
was held, and then in 1928, The Korea Football Association
was organized, which created a foundation to disseminate and
develop football in Korea. During the decades of colonial
rule by Japan, football contributed to alleviating the frustrations
of the subjugated Koreans and fostering the hope of liberation.
The Korea Football Association was reinstated
in 1948, following the establishment of the Republic of Korea.
The KFA became a member of FIFA, the international football
governing body, in 1948. The KFA joined the AFC (Asian Football
Confederation) in 1954.
Since the 1960's Korea emerged as a major football
power in Asia, winning several prestigious Asian football
championships. The Korean national team played in the World
Cup finals for 5 consecutive from 1986, making its players
the undisputed kings of Asian football. The Korean professional
football league was launched in 1983 as the first of its kind
in Asia. This not only pleased domestic fans, but it has also
upgraded the level of the Korean football.
The 2002 FIFA World Cup is a sign of the rapid
progress made in Korean football. Indeed, Korea's co-hosting
of the event with Japan is the result of the Korean people's
passion for and interest in football. Led by Dutch coach Guus
Hiddink, the national side astonished the world by dismissing
traditional power Italy and advancing to the semi-finals,
a first for Asian football. This achievement was the outcome
of big support and endeavor from all the Korean people who
love football so much. The enthusiasm of the red-clad supporters,
the "red devils", also made a big impression on
viewers. Now Korean football stands at the starting line of
a new era.
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