2006 South Korea Home – J S Park #7 XL

The 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany represented a moment of consolidation and ambition for the South Korea national football team, as the nation sought to prove that their historic 2002 semi-final run was not a one-off. Managed by Dick Advocaat, South Korea entered the tournament with a more European tactical influence, emphasizing structure, discipline, and transition play.

Drawn into Group G alongside France, Switzerland, and Togo, South Korea opened their campaign with a confident 2–1 victory over Togo, coming from behind to secure three crucial points. They followed with a disciplined 1–1 draw against France, frustrating a star-studded side and keeping qualification firmly within reach. However, a 2–0 defeat to Switzerland in the final group match saw South Korea finish third, narrowly missing out on the knockout stages.

Despite the group-stage exit, the tournament was viewed positively. South Korea demonstrated tactical maturity, defensive organization, and the ability to compete evenly with top European opposition. The campaign reinforced their status as Asia’s most consistent World Cup presence of the modern era.

The 2006 South Korea home kit, produced by Nike, was bold and unmistakable. Featuring a deep red base with subtle tonal graphics and minimalist white detailing, the shirt embodied intensity, national pride, and modern Asian football identity. It has since become a recognizable vintage football shirt from Korea’s post-2002 golden period.

2. Player’s Impact – Park Ji-sung

The 2006 World Cup marked the global arrival of Park Ji-sung as an elite international footballer. Already establishing himself at Manchester United, Park entered the tournament as South Korea’s most important player — tactically, physically, and symbolically.

Park featured in all three group matches, operating primarily as a box-to-box midfielder / wide presser, a role that demanded relentless running, tactical intelligence, and defensive sacrifice. His most iconic moment came against France, where he scored South Korea’s equalizing goal — a composed finish that secured a vital point and became one of the most memorable Korean goals in World Cup history.

Beyond the goal, Park’s influence was constant. He set the team’s pressing intensity, tracked opposition playmakers tirelessly, and drove transitions with intelligent movement rather than flair. His ability to perform multiple tactical roles allowed South Korea to remain compact without sacrificing attacking threat.

The tournament cemented Park’s reputation as Asia’s premier footballer of his generation. It validated his success in Europe and elevated him to national-icon status, bridging South Korea’s 2002 heroes with a new era of global credibility.

3. Full Squad List (South Korea – 2006 World Cup, Germany)

Manager: Dick Advocaat

Goalkeepers:
Lee Woon-jae, Kim Yong-dae, Jung Sung-ryong

Defenders:
Choi Jin-cheul, Kim Young-chul, Lee Young-pyo, Song Chong-gug, Kim Dong-jin, Cho Won-hee

Midfielders:
Park Ji-sung (captain), Kim Nam-il, Lee Ho, Baek Ji-hoon, Lee Chun-soo, Kim Jung-woo

Forwards:
Ahn Jung-hwan, Park Chu-young, Seol Ki-hyeon, Jung Jo-gook