Hiddink rejects Korea 'consipracy theory'

Guus Hiddink has rejected suggestions there is a conspiracy to help South Korea win games in this year's World Cup.

Portugal, Italy and Spain have complained bitterly about the match officials after losing to Hiddink's team.

But the Korean coach says these teams have only themselves to blame for losing to his team.

"When people say it's all very suspicious then I get rather angry because we could mention a lot of incidents where we have not had the benefit of the doubt," Hiddink said.

"It's happened in previous games when there was a situation for a red card, but the referee didn't see it and we accepted that. These things go for you and against you.

"I can understand coaches being emotional just after the game, but I think it's good to look in the mirror and see why your team failed.

"When you are a good team, you must punish a little team. We have some weaknesses and we gave away some presents in the Spain game and maybe also against Italy, but they didn't punish us.''

The Dutchman added pointedly: "I think when you lose to a rather unknown team and a rather inexperienced team you should just be critical of your own team."

Hiddink is mindful that the last five games are beginning to take their toll on his players.

Midfielder Kim Nam-il, who lasted just 30 minutes against Spain because of his twisted ankle, did not train and neither did Ahn Jung-hwan, who also has a sore ankle.

Hiddink is fearful that at least one of them may miss the biggest game in Korea's history and he said: "Some players have problems with their ankles and I'm not sure if they will all recover in time for Tuesday.

"It is a disadvantage for us that we have a day less than Germany for recovery time. But if they cannot play I am confident in the other players to come in and do well."