Soccer's world governing body has praised Park Ji-sung as Asia's brightest star in Europe.

An article on the FIFA World Cup homepage says Park and defender Lee Young-pyo's role in PSV Eindhoven's run to the Champions League semifinal is undeniable.

It predicted his strong candidacy for Asian Football Confederation player of the year award if South Korea clinches another World Cup berth.

It said Park's genius at set pieces and pinpoint crossing impressed Guus Hiddink, former coach of the South Korean national team and now the head of PSV.

The article also said Park's play offers encouragement to South Korea's bid to repeat its 2002 World Cup success in Germany next year.