Republic of Korea National Football Team represents the country of Korea, and the Korean Football Association in international football matches and competitions. The team is also known simply as South Korea or Korea. Korea’s home kits consist of white shorts red shirts, and their away kits are a white shirt and red shorts.

The Tigers held their first match against Mexico in London, England, shortly after the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948, and won by a score of 5-3. They joined the Asian Football Confederation in 1954, and beat Japan in a two legged match to secure becoming the first Asian team to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup. Striker Cha Bum-Kun was the leading scorer during this era. Unfortunately, Korea did not go far in the tournament, losing 9-0 to Hungry and 7-0 to Turkey, and not even scoring one goal during the whole tournament.

However, in 1986, the Korean National Soccer Team made its second appearance in the World Cup, only having a bit more success then in the last one. The Tigers ended their World Cup run as last place in group A. The Korean National Football Team however defeated Argentina by a score of 3-1, with Park Chang-Seon scoring the first goal in the Republic of Korea’s history.

Currently the Korean National Team’s head coach is former player Huh Jung-Moo. Attacking midfielder Park Ji-Sung, goalkeeper Kim Nam-Il, and Park Chu-Young are the superstar athletes of the team. The Korean Squad will soon be facing Jordan in order to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

South Korea - Best Football Country in Asia

The South Korean National Football Team has the best record out of any team in Asia. They have won 2 Asian Cup Championship in 1956 and 1960 and finished runners up in 1972, 1980, and 1988. They are currently ranked 45th, second best in Asia behind Japan. The Korean National Soccer is regarded as the most successful Asian Nation in the World Cup history after finishing in 4th place in 2002.

As South Korea marches towards the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, this OleOle section will keep you updated on South Korean match results, fixtures, line-ups and live scores, all the latest news about the English football team, and how Huh Jung-Moo is doing directing the Korean squad.