Do the elements which shape a nation's character also shape its football destiny?

While stereotypes based on racism and ignorance can be misleading, there's no doubt that footballing nations play to their strengths, and sometimes fail due to persistent weaknesses. Those strengths and weaknesses can sometimes have interesting roots in culture, history, politics and other elements of the so-called "national character."

Just look at the strong, super-organised Germans, for example, or the insanely flamboyant Brazilian samba stars. Or look at how the Socceroos' success has been shaped by Australia's wealthy, healthy outdoor lifestyle, a protein-rich diet, relatively class-free social attitudes, and that enduring spirit of "stick-it-to-'em" mateship.

The stereotypical South Korean is not quite as relaxed and comfortable. With over 50 million people crammed into 100,000 km2 and a long history of regional conflict, Korea is a country where three years of obligatory military service usually lead to a lifetime of hard work. Little wonder the tradition of social cohesion is traditionally valued above "self-indulgent" modern individualism.

For the South Korean national football team, this fierce sense of social cohesion can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it encourages team bonding, provides additional motivation, and unites fans behind the team. On the other hand, over-the-top media attention and wildly excessive displays of national pride can impose excessive pressure on players, coaches and their families.

Out on the pitch, such pressure has sometimes translated to excessively defensive tactics and a lack of flair, with South Korean players seemingly afraid to make mistakes and coaches settling for acceptable results rather than pushing for a win. But the Korean republic has undergone rapid change in recent decades, and their national team's approach has similarly evolved by leaps and bounds.

The return to a native coach, Huh Jung-moo, after success with foreigners Huddink and Advocaat, can be seen as a sign of Korea's growing confidence and maturity. Their 2002 World Cup success raised the bar of expectation, but the current squad has been delivering in spades.

Unbeaten in 27 games before losing to Serbia last November, South Korea enjoyed an undefeated AFC qualifying campaign, with World Cup warm-ups including wins over Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Japan. This week's second win over Japan, whose win-loss record against their near neighbours is a matter of national shame in Tokyo, came as no surprise to anyone watching the region. "Koreaphobia" is alive and spreading!

Like Australia, Korea endured a 32-year wait after their first World Cup appearance in 1954. This is their seventh consecutive appearance since 1986, and Jung-moo's formidable squad have a very good chance of progressing to the second round. Otto Rehengel's organised Greeks will have a hard time breaking down the even more organized Koreans. The big question might be whether the Nigerians turn up or not. But even Maradona's magnificent young men can expect a fight when they come up against the pride of South Korea.

A fierce warrior spirit is another aspect of Korea's national character, delivering a level of controlled aggression that serves the squad particularly well when their backs are against the wall. Failure in South Africa might remain a distinct possibility, but anything less than 200% commitment from the determined South Koreans is simply not an option.