Park eyes last World Cup

Immediately after helping South Korea to their seventh successive World Cup finals, Park Ji-Sung announced that the tournament will probably be his last.

The 28-year-old captained his country to a 2-0 away win against the United Arab Emirates last week to seal their place in South Africa 2010 with a game to spare.

The Manchester United winger is a veteran of two World Cups having shot onto the scene at the 2002 finals where the hosts reached the semi-finals under Guus Hiddink.

South Korea followed that unexpected success with a respectable last-16 place in Germany in 2006 but Park admits the finals next summer will probably be his last.

"2010 will likely be my last World Cup," he said.

"There is also the 2014 event but I don't think my stamina will last until then. I will devote everything to attain a good result."

Park underlined that getting to the last 16 again in South Africa would signify a realistic aim but the former PSV man did go as far as comparing the current crop of stars with the heroes of 2002.

"The 2002 Korean team was the strongest ever and younger and veteran players achieved good harmony," he added.

"The national team for next year's event is quite similar to that in 2002. Depending on how thoroughly we prepare for the event, we can attain a good result."