When Italy take the field against South Korea here in Daejeon today, they will be greeted by an unmissable sign. Behind one goal, about 7,000 home supporters will be holding up red and white cards spelling out a clear message: "Again 1966". For the Italians it is a reminder of one of the most humiliating moments in their football history.
At Ayresome Park 36 years ago, Italy lost 1-0 to North Korea and crashed out of the World Cup. South Korea intend to repeat that and finding a local who does not believe they will do it is hard. Guus Hiddink is considered such a miracle-worker everyone will be disappointed if he fails to take the team into the last eight and resolve the political crisis with North Korea at half-time.
Not long ago the idea of South Korea defeating Italy seemed more ridiculous than that of ending the peninsula's conflict in 15 minutes. Not now. The players and public are fuelled by such belief and emotion that suddenly anything seems possible. The red and white cards, carefully stuck on two tiers of seats by local officials, tell of a new-found confidence. "I think Korea will win," announced Ahn Jung-hwan, the forward based in Italy with Perugia.
Some coaches might be upset to hear one of their players talking like that, but Hiddink is likely to be delighted. When he took over 17 months ago he noted that Korea "tended to give up in advance when meeting strong teams". Testing friendlies and, more importantly, World Cup wins over Poland and Portugal have changed the mentality. Once defeat was anticipated; now success is expected.
Italy's performances against Croatia and Mexico suggest they are far from invincible. After their defeat in 1966, their players were greeted by a hail of rotten tomatoes at Rome airport. Giovanni Trapattoni does not look a coach who would appreciate soggy vegetables on his jacket and deep down he may be a worried man.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of Italy's disallowed efforts against Croatia, they conceded an uncharacteristic two goals in that match. Against Mexico they could have been condemned to another defeat - and an early exit - before Alessandro Del Piero's late equaliser.
"Korea is the worst team to meet in the second round," said Christian Vieri. "The match will be a very tough one because Korean players are very speedy and have strong staying power." This is not a time to be without Fabio Cannavaro, who is suspended, and possibly also Alessandro Nesta, who rates himself 50-50.
Korea, having achieved their aim of reaching the second round, can perform without the pressure that has borne down on them. The danger is an edge will disappear from their game but Hiddink and his squad do not seem ready to let up. Parts of yesterday's training were conducted with fearsome intensity and the coach's words were unequivocal - "The goal is achieved but I'm still hungry. It's not the end. It's the start of a new game now."
The speed and passion of Korea's play has been eye-catching but there is more to their progress than that. A positive approach is based on swift and accurate passing, the legacy in part of Hiddink's intensive training schedule. They have looked sound tactically and impressive technically, Park Ji-sung showing fine skill and balance to score the winner against Portugal.
Ahn and Seol Ki-hyeon, the striker who spent much of last season on Anderlecht's bench, have been lively. And no one should underestimate the impact of the manic crowd. "The biggest danger will be the enthusiasm of the public," said Trapattoni.
After Korea beat Portugal, millions celebrated in the streets, letting off fireworks, honking horns and hanging out of car windows. Dozens were taken to hospital after they suffered arm and wrist injuries from waving the Korean flag and clapping too hard.
Hiddink's popularity has reached such heights that South Korea's ministry of justice has announced he is eligible to become an honorary citizen. Some fans have called for a statue of him and others have suggested a new holiday - Hiddink Day - on June 4 to commemorate the country's first World Cup win.
"Let's make history by trying to do almost the impossible," the coach said of the Italy match. In fact it is far from impossible, though more incisive finishing than in previous games may be required. "Again 1966" would do nicely.
