A third successful tournament in a row for the South Koreans who are fast-becoming the powerhouse of Asia when it comes to World Cups.

Following their fourth-place finish in 2002 on home turf, South Korea recorded their first win away from Asia in 2006 and then took that form into a Round of 16 qualification in South Africa this year.

Despite a hiccup against Argentina in their second match, the Koreans produced favourable results against Greece and Nigeria before narrowly losing to Uruguay who find themselves in the third place play-off.

The Taeguk Warriors will have to ponder their future without coach Huh Jung-moo who has stepped down after a successful two-and-a-half year stint.

"I have decided not to seek a second term," he said. "This is not a resignation as my contract finishes at the end of June. I want time to recharge myself and spend some time with my family.

"I have made my decision and told this to the KFA. I want to rest for a while. There are many good coaches in our football community. I think they should be given a chance."

Finished: 14th Record: Wins - 1; Draws - 1; Losses - 2; Points - 4 Matches: Greece (2-0), Argentina (1-4), Nigeria (2-2), RO16-Uruguay (1-2) Goals: 6 Against: 8

tribalfootball.com's Star Man Lee Jung-soo (Was brilliant in defence and going forward, netting twice for his side)

Official statistics

Minutes played Kim Jung-woo 360 Jung Sung-ryong 360 Park Ji-sung 360 Lee Jung-soo 360 Lee Young-pyo 360 Cho Yong-hyung 360 Lee Chung-yong 359

Top scorers Lee Chung-yong 2 Lee Jung-soo 2 Park Chu-young 1 Park Ji-sung 1

Total shots Park Chu-young 20 Lee Chung-yong 8 Park Ji-sung 5 Lee Young-pyo 4

Pass Completion Rate Lee Young-pyo 81% Ki Sung-yueng 77% Kim Jung-woo 73% Lee Jung-soo 72%

Most Fouls Cho Yong-hyung 10 Park Ji-sung 7 Park Chu-young 6 Kim Jung-woo 6

Yellow cards Kim Nam-il 1 Yeom Ki-hun 1 Lee Chung-yong 1 Cha Du-ri 1 Kim Jung-woo 1 Cho Yong-hyung 1

Red cards none

Saves Jung Sung-ryong 16