Former South Korean national team assistant coach Chung Hae-Soung said on Friday that he believes that South Korea, the 2002 World Cup semifinalists, can make it to the knock-out stages of this year's World Cup Finals in Germany.

Chung, who was assistant to Dutchman Guus Hiddink when South Korea reached the semi-finals in the last tournament in 2002, which Korea jointly hosted with Japan, is realistic about South Korea’s chances are this time round.

“For the (South) Korean team, the possibility of reaching the semifinals again is very slim,” said Chung.

“But it is not out of question that we can reach the knock-out stage. All the team are confident about it,” he continued.

South Korea has qualified for every World Cup since making their debut at the World Cup Finals in 1986.

Chung, who is currently spending a one-month training spell with South Korean team Bucheon SK, has attributed the success of the South Korean team in recent years to hard work, and a desire for success, and thinks that some of South Korea’s overseas-based players, like Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung, will play pivotal role for the national team in their World Cup campaign.

“Among all Asian teams, South Korea has the strongest fighting spirit,” he said. “They have a lot of experience, and can reverse the tide at crucial moments.”

South Korea have been drawn in Group G alongside France, Switzerland and World cup Finals debutantes Togo.

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