Well, I think we need some new threads ... here's one. Korea have dominated Asian soccer scene for much of last 30 years. I am interested in what you all think which kept Korea atop of Asian soccer for so long? Is it Kim Chee, mental, thick legs, speed, stamina, fans, teamwork, luck, discipline, what?
Discipline, speed, power, teamwork, strength in mentality, stamina, humility(never underestimate their opponents), and never-die spirit. Sports in Korea have always been shrouded in spartan-like ways of training our players(although it's gotten a heck of a lot more relaxed). This may have strengthened our endurance, perserverence, power, and discipline, but with authoritarian ways came sacrifice of individuality. Sadly, most of those elements are missing in our present NT. Right now, our NT are like any other cocky European or South American NT. Our players think they're the shlt. Only difference is, those European and South American powerhouses get results.
NT players should get sent to army everytime they fail to beat the bloodly Maldives .. not getting a reduction .. A good arse-kicking is in order I say ..
I think it applies not just to athletes but the rest of us when I say we're a bunch of spoilt b***** now.
Korea was poor as dirt in 1960 and 70's. Korea didn't have a decent economy until 80's. I think it has something to do with the Korean "can-do" spirit. And a hefty measure of that Korean male kkang.
Well, other asians will disagree if we say we dominated. According to them, we were "one of the best" but never the best. And that statement does have a point because even though we were runner up in numerous times, we haven't won Asian Cup for a long time. But who cares. I want Team Korea to advance to the 2nd round of '06WC and that's all I care.
Back then I think the biggest tournaments were the Kings Cup and the Merdeka Cup. And yes, that Kkang. GRRRR!!!!!
We were best at times, more often than others in that time span. Asian cup eluded us but we won other events which were more important than Asian Cups. Among them, we have qualified to WC more than other Asian nations and qualified to many Olympic games. We won Merdeka and Kings cups which were prestigious events in 70s - see another poster's post above. So, I would say we dominated Asian soccer scene, more than others in my opinion.
I think physical fitness and organization made Korea a superior team, but what put Korea over the top in many cases was a never-say-die attitude. Call it stubborness or kkang, but it often comes to the fore when Korea is down. I think Korea is not as effective when playing to preserve a lead. In addition, I think Korea has done well in Asia because it believed itself to be superior to the others in Asia. Koreans look down on Japanese and Chinese and feel that it would be embarrassing to lose to them. Even when it suffers a humiliating loss (like the 6-2 debacle against Iran), it always feels that the setback is temporary. It is a completely different story when Korea played on the world stage. Korea played scared and intimidated. Korea always had the talent to pull off a few upsets here and there, but never won a WC match until 2002, due to this inferiority complex. Korea's fighting spirit came out only once they were down. That is when inhibitions were removed and Korea played for pride, often leading to spectacular draws and close losses ('94 WC comes to mind). 2002 WC was a breakthrough year in that Korea actually believed that it can win on the world stage. I think that is where NK was ahead in 1966. NK believed that they were a special nation, inferior to none. Whether that was true in reality or not, the players believed it and pulled out some remarkable upsets. So, to sum up, Korea has always believed in itself in Asia, but only recently began to believe it could compete on a world class level.
I think feeling of representing Korea in popular sport also contributed to Korean NT's success. Fame & monetary rewards for Korean NT players may had an impact, too.
I believe Korea was first country in Asia to launch pro league in early 80's. ('83 i believe) It's only since then Korea becom regular fixture to the WC. Japan learned and followed us and now they're enjoying pretty good time as well. hail to KLeague...