Tame Taeguk Warriors need their fighting spirit back to win over critics
Hong Myung-bo's team's hopes are hanging by a thread
Struggling South Korea will need to rediscover the magical spirit of 2002 as they fight to rescue their dismal World Cup campaign against unbeaten Belgium.
After drawing with Russia and losing 4-2 to Algeria, group H's bottom side need to win big against already qualified Belgium if they are to stay in the tournament.
Logic decrees the Koreans will soon be following Japan home as their attack has been largely toothless, coupled with severe problems in defence.
I haven't played well yet at this World Cup but I've made a difference and that's what the coach has asked of me
But coach Hong Myung-bo can draw at least on his experiences at the 2002 tournament, when he was part of the team that shocked the world by reaching the semi-finals.
That year, the unquenchable desire of Guus Hiddink's team and some favourable refereeing decisions helped the Taeguk Warriors upset Portugal, Italy and Spain.
This time around, things have been different. The 1-1 draw with Russia owed much to Igor Afinkeev's goalkeeping howler, and South Korea were then taken apart by unfancied Algeria.
"Now we have to turn the page," said Hong after the Algeria defeat.
"This result is the reward for our preparation.