DATE=05/08/02

TYPE=SPORTS FEATURE

TITLE=WORLD CUP TEAMS/SOUTH KOREA

NUMBER=2-289585

BYLINE=JIM STEVENSON

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

INTERNET=YES

VOICED AT:

INTRO: South Korea is a co-host of the upcoming World Cup football (soccer) tournament along with Japan. Although this year's tournament is the first to be held in Asia, V-O-A's Jim Stevenson reports South Korea has quite a bit of World Cup experience.

TEXT: South Korea is making its fifth straight World Cup appearance and sixth overall, the most of any Asian team. But its experience has been dismal, as international football commentator Derek Rae explains.

// RAE ACT //

South Korea has never won a match at the World Cup finals. And it is a record that I know has haunted them and continues to haunt them.

// END ACT //

Despite the poor record, Rae says South Korea has reason to be somewhat optimistic this year, playing in Group-D with the United States, Poland and Portugal.

// RAE ACT//

You should not underestimate the importance of home advantage, of having a packed stadium behind you at the World Cup finals. They have a very experienced coach in Gus Hiddink. And I think they have a draw that is. Okay, it is not easy. It is never easy at the World Cup finals, but a draw that does give them some hope.

// END ACT //

Rae says South Korea will certainly be an entertaining team to watch.

// RAE ACT //

They play this very distinctive style of game, and that has been the case with all South Korean teams. They run and chase, and very often it is a bit bizarre. You will see two and three players chasing after the opponent with the ball, which is quite unconventional at the international level. But the have made it work for them.

// END ACT //

South Korea's best finish was 16th in its first World Cup appearance in 1954. The team's worst finish came in 1998 when South Korea placed 30th out of 32 teams. (Signed)

NEB/SPTS/JIM/PARKE/SAB