World Cup Countdown: The ones to watch for South Korea

As the World Cup edges closer, we continue our run down of all 32 competing nations in Russia.

After previewing Germany, Sweden and Mexico, it’s time to conclude our analysis of Group F with South Korea.

The Tigers are gearing up for their ninth successive World Cup campaign but preparations have not gone as well as hoped.

South Korea finished second in their qualification group, seven points adrift of first place Iran.

A relatively poor qualification campaign resulted in Uli Stielike being sacked and replaced by Shin Tae-yong in June 2017.

The 47-year-old has overseen 15 games in charge of South Korea and boasts an underwhelming record of five wins, five draws and five defeats.

South Korea have failed to progress out of the group stage in six of the last nine World Cups, failing to win a single game on five occasions in that sequence.

Tae-yong’s side have lost three of their last four internationals, including a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia on Friday, while injuries have already taken their toil in the squad.

South Korea are unable to call on the services of Kwon Chang-hoon this summer, meaning there will be even more pressure on Tottenham’s Heung-min Son.

The 25-year-old did well for Tottenham last season but it will be a concern that he has only found the back of the net once in his last 14 matches for club and country.

Ki Sung-yueng recently celebrated his 100th cap for South Korea and his experience in central midfield will be important, even if he has struggled to rediscover his best form over the last few years.

South Korea are not expected to get out of Group F, but Hwang Hee-chan will be one to keep your eye on. The 22-year-old impressed in Salzburg’s Europa League campaign and has already been linked with a move to Tottenham.

Hee-chan scored 12 goals in 35 goals in all competitions for Salzburg last season and looks set to be a key player for the Austrian outfit in the years to come, if they can keep hold of his services.