Team Korea may have lost to World Cup defending champion France in Sunday's friendly, but the home team surprised the international media with their spirited play and confidence. The UK's BBC news gave Korea praise for their outstanding performance in the recent friendlies, where the national team drubbed Scotland and managed a tie with England.

The Associated Press, or AP also said after the humiliating 5:0 loss to France a year ago the 2:1 lead the home team had over the mighty French in the first half shocked the world. The French news agency AFP reported, star player Zinedine Zidane saying previous matches with Korea have been easy but this victory was a hard fought one.

After the game French coach Roger Lemerre said, " We have had to fight hard to cope with the skills, and physical challenge of the Koreans and with their strong will. We have been very often outpaced."

The official website of this year's soccer gala, FIFA World Cup.com said the squad's improvements will undoubtedly give Korean soccer fans high hopes in advancing into the second round. With the confidence in the last outing against the French, Korea will definitely ride a wave of momentum going into their group D matches.

(Arirang TV)