World Cup Veterans Could Reinvigorate South Korea Heading Into 2010

It has been reported in recent days that there is a chance that former South Korean National team members Ahn Jung-Hwan and Lee Chun-Soo may be reactivated by the team in time for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

According to National team coach Huh Jung-Moo, "they have much experience between them. The players are special assets to Korean football. They're players who can adjust and do their share of work even if they are called upon later."

Obviously, this indicates a reasonable chance that Coach Huh will activate both Ahn and Lee prior to the start of the World Cup. If made, this move would give the South Korean team an additional 17 years of National team experience and would boost the depth of their bench.

Of course, their is no guarantee that either Ahn or Lee would excel with the team after having played sparingly with them for the last several years.

Ahn, had the last of his 58 caps for the National squad in 2006, having played in both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He scored the winning goal in the 2-1 win against Togo in the 2006, the only win the South Koreans managed in that World Cup. This goal tied him with Sami Al-Jaber of Saudi Arabia for the most World Cup goals by an Asian player.

Further cementing Ahn's heroic status in Korea, he scored the winning goal against Italy in the 2002 World Cup, eliminating the European side from the event.

Ahn currently plays his club football in China for Dalian Shide and has scored six goals in 24 appearances this season. He will be 34 at the start of the World Cup and 2009 likely would be his last chance at World Cup greatness.

Lee has played for the National side since 2000, but has not capped for the team since 2008.  He has scored 10 goals in 79 matches and the South Korean side has won every game in which Lee has scored.

The big knock against Lee is that he hasn't played well during his recent appearances in K-League football. He was released from two teams, the Suwon Bluewings and the Chunnam Dragons, due to his poor performance.

He has however played well during his brief time with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, scoring two goals in seven appearances.

While Lee certainly has more questions surrounding his recent play, both he and Ahn could provide valuable reserves for the South Korean team in the 2010 World Cup.

Will they be added to the squad in 2010? There is no way of knowing yet. However, listening to Coach Huh, there certainly seems to be a chance that the team could add the two veterans before June, bolstering their roster heading into the World Cup.