There are only two football (soccer) matches remaining in the 2002 World Cup. Prior to Sunday's final in Yokohama, Japan, between Germany and Brazil, co-host South Korea will take on Turkey Saturday for third place in Daegu, South Korea.
The South Korean team has been regrouping in the capital city after falling 1-0 in its semifinal to Germany here Tuesday night. Despite creating good early chances and remaining true to their stylish game, the Koreans could not manage another late victory like they did against both Italy and Spain.
Still, if you had told them before the tournament began that they would make it to the final four, neither they nor their fans would have believed it. Now the supportive crowds throughout this nation will have one more chance at this World Cup to cheer for the home team, as the Koreans will take on Turkey in the third place match on Saturday in Daegu.
Korean coach Guus Hiddink knows it will be somewhat bittersweet. "I hope to bring the players again to an acceptable level to go for third place," he said, "because we just have to swallow this disappointment. But I think in a few days we must recover to go for the home public for third place."
Turkey, playing in only its second World Cup and also far exceeding expectations, will travel to South Korea from Japan where it lost its semifinal to Brazil Wednesday night, also by a 1-0 score.