Koreans revel in World Cup success (From Surrey Comet)

Koreans revel in World Cup success

12:23pm Wednesday 14th June 2006 in News By David Rankin

From Frankfurt to the Fountain, there were scenes of South Korean jubilation as the national team came from a goal down to beat 10-man Togo in their opening game of the World Cup.

South Korean ambassador Dr Yoon-Je Cho joined hundreds of his compatriots for the festivities at a packed Fountain Pub in New Malden, the unofficial headquarters of the campaign.

Summer downpours and an early goal against looked set to ruin the fun, until a sending-off and goal from the subsequent free kick got the country back on track.

Speaking moments after the final whistle, Fountain bar supervisor Dave Tulett said: "It was a great atmosphere, especially when the second goal came in. Everyone stayed outside, even in the rain, because the bar was full to capacity.

"They are all marching down the High Street with their drums as we speak."

Substitute Ahn Jung-Hwan was hero of the day after scoring in the 71st minute, with kudos also to manager Dick Advocaat for bringing him on.

"It was a great atmosphere, especially when the second goal came in. Everyone stayed outside, even in the rain, because the bar was full to capacity"

Dave Tulett, The Fountain, New Malden

South Korea play France on Sunday, June 18, and Switzerland on Friday, June 23, with the latter now likely to decide which team goes through to the knockout stages.

New Malden and the surrounding areas are home to Europe's largest concentration of South Korean's and the pub has laid on outside screens and tents to accommodate the crowds.

Photos from the event will be available to order from tomorrow. Just click on the 'order a photo' tab and search using the code KT6909.