Hong Myung-Bo

Hong is rightly considered one of the greatest ever Asian footballers. The sweeper played at an impressive four World Cup finals and at the 2002 tournament he was awarded the Bronze Ball. Hong made his international debut back in 1990 and in that year he also made his World Cup bow. He played in all three of South Korea's matches which they lost against Belgium, Spain and Uruguay. Hong arguably shone most at the competition four years later in the USA. In South Korea's first match they found themselves trailing 2-0 to Spain. However, Hong scored with five minutes remaining before assisting the second for a memorable comeback. Hong then also starred in a rousing fightback against Germany although despite his efforts the South Koreans lost out 3-2. He then played in all three matches at the 1998 World Cup, but again his nation failed to progress from the group stage. Hong skippered South Korea at the 2002 competition, which his nation co-hosted with Japan. And the campaign proved a hugely successful one for Hong and his team-mates as he scored the winning penalty to seal a 5-3 shoot-out win over Spain in the quarter-finals. South Korea ultimately finished fourth after losing their third-placed play-off against Turkey, although Hong was hailed for his own displays.