Guus Hiddink has lifted the lid on the furious scenes that unfolded in the Italian dressing room after South Korea knocked them out of the 2002 FIFA World Cup — one of the most controversial matches the tournament has ever witnessed.

The Dutch coach guided co-hosts South Korea to the semi-finals that summer, making them the first Asian nation ever to reach the last four of a World Cup. Along the way, two European giants — Italy and Spain — were eliminated in circumstances that sparked fierce debate worldwide.

Getting past the group stage and beyond

South Korea's run began with a victory in a group containing Portugal, Poland, and the United States. Hiddink acknowledges that progress from such a group already surpassed expectations, but his squad had far more to offer.