AFC Asian Qualifiers
A record-extending 11th straight appearance for an Asian nation at the FIFA World Cup is on the cards, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the Taegeuk Warriors incredible run at this stage of the qualifiers.
Factfile
How they got there: Round 2 Group C winners
2022 AFC Asian Qualifiers Record: Qualified for Qatar 2022 after finishing second in Group A in Round 3
Previous FIFA World Cup appearances: 11
Head Coach: N/A
Fun Fact: Korea Republic's first appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals was in 1954
After their historic fourth-placed finish in the 2002 edition which they co-hosted with Japan, qualification for the next five editions was achieved with relative ease.
Their streak, however, faced danger in Russia 2018 qualifying as after seven matches in the third round of the qualifiers, Korea Republic were in second spot - four points behind Islamic Republic of Iran when they suffered their third defeat of the campaign, losing 3-2 to Qatar.
With Uzbekistan only a point behind with two matches left to play, head coach Uli Stielike was dismissed with Shin Tae-yong stepping in.
A tough start awaited Shin in his first game, hosting the already-qualified Iran but Korea Republic held their nerves to secure a goalless draw before a similar result ended the challenge of Uzbekistan in their final Group A match.
Qualification for Qatar 2022 was secured easily and Korea Republic will be hoping for a similar outcome despite three coaches - Jurgen Klinsmann, Hwang Sun-hong and Kim Do-hoon - having taken charge of their second round campaign.
