Park Ji-sung is of the belief that South Korea is capable of making it to the World Cup Round of 16 next year.
The Taeguk Warriors have been drawn alongside Belgium, Russia and Algeria in Group H which leads the on-loan PSV Eindhoven midfielder to suggest that they can sneak into the knockout phase at Brazil next summer.
"Fortunately, South Korea has avoided the so-called 'group of death,'" the former Manchester United star, who is on loan in Holland from QPR, told Yonhap News Agency.
"If we prepare well, I think we'll have a chance to reach the round of 16."
The former South Korea captain added: "Once you're in the tournament, you just never know what can happen from there.
"Winning the first match (against Russia) will be crucial since it will lift a lot of pressure off the team.
"Belgium and Russia have done well internationally, and Algeria made it out of the strong African qualifications.
"We can't afford to take anyone lightly. If anything, we'll be the underdog, and it will come down to how well we're prepared to face these countries."
