Yoo Sang-Chul dead: South Korea 2002 World Cup hero tragically dies age 49

Yoo Sang-Chul, who starred for South Korea during their run to the World Cup semi-final in 2002, has tragically passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

The former midfielder, who made FIFA’s All-Star team of the tournament when his country co-hosted 19 years ago, was only 49.

The Korean FA confirmed his passing on Monday, following an 18 month battle with the disease, declaring: “We will forever remember the shouts and glory of the day with you.”

Sang-Chul made 124 appearances for his national side, and was a mainstay of the side that shocked the world under Guus Hiddink.

He would scored in the group stage game against Poland, and impressed as the co-hosts dumped Italy and Spain out of the competition.

The Asian side would eventually lose in the semi-final to runners-up Germany.

He had previously also featured at France '98, where he scored against Belgium.

He spent his entire 16-year club career in Asia, spending time in both Japan's J-League and his home nation.

Resurce: Mirror Alex ichards(JUN 7, 2021)