The Associated Press says South Korea is on a mission to prove its surprising semifinal run in the 2002 World Cup soccer finals was no fluke.

An AP story from Seoul on Wednesday said the country will find it a tough task to repeat its 2002 success, as it was the first from Asia to make it to the top four.

The article also said coach Dick Advocaat is also burdened with high expectations from South Korean fans, but quoted him as saying the team is very difficult to beat and its opponents know that.

High-ranking Korea Football Association official Kang Sin-woo said the team is stronger as several members play overseas such as Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo.

He also said the return of several members from the 2002 squad will help South Korea overcome the heavy burden of away games.