Guus Hiddink - gunning for Poland. (Allsport)
HIDDINK EYES POLE POSITION
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Guus Hiddink, coach of co-hosts South Korea, has promised an up-and-at-them approach to their World Cup opener against Poland in Busan.
The Koreans will be searching for their first World Cup finals win in what will be their sixth tournament.
And Hiddink has no intention of adopting cagey tactics against the Poles.
Korean confidence has been boosted by two pre-tournament friendly results - a 1-1 draw with England and a narrow defeat against France.
"We must not sit back and wait, we must try to take control," said Hiddink. "There's nothing to lose and we'll go for it.
"We will try to get the first (World Cup finals) victory ever, and then fight hard to get into the second round."
Veteran Hwang Sun-hong will spearhead the Korean attack and skipper Hong Myung-bo, Korea's most capped player with 125 appearances, will anchor the defence.
Hiddink's strategy for success with the Koreans is quick nimble combination football.
"We're a team that can play at a high tempo," said Hiddink. "We must have an extra gear and we have some players who can do that with substitutions."
Perugia striker Ahn Jung-hwan is one such player earmarked for that role.
The Poles can call upon Nigeria-born Emmanuel Olisadebe, who grabbed eight goals during the qualifying campaign, with Pawel Kryszalowicz partnering him if he is fit.
They also have an experienced back four marshalled by Schalke centre backs Tomasz Hajto and Thomasz Waldoch.
Liverpool keeper Jerzy Dudek said: "The Koreans are stronger than I had anticipated. Because they are good at creating opportunities it will be difficult for me.
"This is their first game in their home country and they will be playing at their best but we came here to show the world Polish football."
Poland coach Jerzy Engel said: "It will be very difficult for us. The Korean fans will be the 12th player of their team."
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