SOUTH KOREA

Ranking 57. Last time Group stage. Manager Shin Tae-Yong — assistant to Uli Stielike until June last year, when the German was sacked following a 3-2 loss to Qatar that jeopardised their hopes. Shin saw them over the line with less-than-thrilling goalless draws against Iran and Uzbekistan, but his true instincts are all-out attack. .

They’re a bit like Swansea — not expected to make much of an impression.

Key man Son Heung-min (right) — full of confidence following a stellar season with Tottenham in which he proved himself more than capable on the Champions League stage. Playing on the counter-attack will suit him and Korea will set up their game around him.

Rising star Lee Seung-woo — the 20-year-old Verona winger was a youth star at Barcelona, honing his talents at the La Masia academy until the club were found guilty of infringing FIFA Youth Eligibility Rules. As a result, Lee could not play official matches and his development was stunted. Found a new lease of life in Italy.

Prospects Would be a surprise if they managed to get out of the group.