South Korean soccer officials confirmed Wednesday that they are looking at foreign managers to replace Huh Jung Moo, fired Tuesday after South Korea's third-place finish at last month's Asian Cup.
While the leading candidates to take over the post have yet to be announced, reports in the South Korean newspapers suggest Miroslav Blazevic, who guided Croatia to a remarkable third-place finish at the 1998 World Cup, is the front-runner.
Huh had originally offered to step down after South Korea failed to advance from the group stage at the Sydney Olympics in September, but was persuaded by the South Korean F.A. to stay through the Asian Cup in Lebanon.
South Korea disappointed in Lebanon, but salvaged some pride ahead of the 2002 World Cup by winning the third-place playoff 1-0 against China before World Cup co-host Japan defeated Saudi Arabia by the same score in the final.
Despite finishing third, however, Huh and his team continued to come under fire from South Korea's disgruntled press.
AFC honors Japan
The Asian Football Confederation has named Japan its team of the month for October after last month's Asian Cup triumph in Lebanon, the Japan Football Association confirmed Wednesday.
Jubilo Iwata midfielder Hiroshi Nanami, who was named Player of the Tournament after Japan defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final at Beirut Sports City Stadium on Oct. 29, was also named as the AFC Player of the Month.