In Jinan
This, not Group D, is the toughest in this year's Asian Cup. World Cup semi-finalists Korea, 1996 Asian Cup semi-finalists the United Arab Emirates, 2000 Asian Cup quarter-finalists Kuwait, are all in a state of flux are joined by Jordan, arguably the most improved Asian nation in the new millennium.
It might seem crazy to doubt Korea's ability to get through the first phase, but in this company anything could happen. However Korea should have too many good players and too much experience to fall at this early stage.
Having set out with the best intentions for the post-Hiddink era, Korea have panicked. Humberto Coelho's 'failure' probably had less to do with systems and tactics and a lot more to do with the fact he only occasionally got to work with Korea's best players, particularly the Dutch-based contingent, and that he had little time with them when he did.
Even the search for his successor was poorly handled. Stating that former Senegal coach Bruno Metsu was the chosen candidate before beginning negotiations was hardly the wisest point from which to begin bargaining.
Jo Bonfrere was a hasty replacement, which hardly creates the most stable of platforms for the abrasive Dutchman whose record since guiding Nigeria to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medal is not so glorious.
They are also missing a gaggle of youngsters for the Olympics, as well as Feyenoord's Song Chong-gug and more importantly sweeper Yoo Sang-chul, who both go to Athens as over-age players.
