What effect if any has traditional Korean culture had any on the players?
Hiddink: When I first arrived, the team was divided into three groups and they hardly communicated with each other because they were maintaining respect for hierarchy. So I mixed them up and now they talk and even challenge each other on the field. TIME: How do you rate Korea’s opponents in Group D (Portugal, Poland and the United States)? Hiddink: Koreans said, “Oh no!” when Portugal was drawn. My response was “Why not?” On the other hand when Poland was drawn Koreans said “Oh yeah!” and I said “Not really.” Poland made very good progress last year and easily made it to the qualifying games. The Polish team is unknown, and so the most dangerous and trickiest game will be against them. TIME: Will Korea win any matches in the opening round? Hiddink: I want the team to be very determined and to strive to win. It is a luxury to host the World Cup in Korea. The team should work very hard but also enjoy themselves. It is important to understand that enjoying the situation does not mean fool
