Guus Hiddink recalls how he landed the South Korea job, which began with a chance encounter at the 1998 World Cup. In November 2000, Hiddink received a phone call from Ka Sam-hyun, a team manager from the 1998 squad, leading to a pivotal meeting that set the stage for South Korea's historic run in the 2002 World Cup.
How Hiddink's Encounter Shaped His Future
During the 1998 World Cup in France, Hiddink was coaching the Netherlands when he noticed the South Korean team training. He allowed his players to train longer than scheduled, which reflected a cultural difference in their approach to the game. This encounter would later prove significant when Hiddink received a call from Ka Sam-hyun.
“Yes, hello Mr Hiddink,” said Sam-hyun, “I’m Ka Sam-hyun, one of the team managers from 1998. I’m staying at the Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam, across from where you live. Can we meet?” Hiddink was surprised, questioning how Sam-hyun had obtained his contact information.
The Meeting That Changed Everything
During their meeting, Sam-hyun expressed the urgency of improving South Korea's standing in the world of football. “We need to reach the last 16,” he stated, emphasizing the pressure on the national team. Hiddink was skeptical, knowing South Korea was ranked around 70th in the FIFA rankings and had never won a match in previous World Cups.
