Asian football giant South Korea have announced the details of players that will be representing the country when they play World Cup qualifiers next month.

The list was unveiled on Monday ahead of the final round of Asian qualifiers for Russia 2018.

The 21-man squad contains five players who were in action in Rio Olympics. FC Red Bull Salzburg player Hwang Hee-chan, Guangzhou R&F defender Jang Hyun-soo, Spurs playmaker Son Heung-min and Suwon Samsung Bluewings player Kwon chag-hoon. The players put up quite an effort in Rio but they were knocked out by Honduras on a slim margin. They were impressive in the group stage and the football body decided to included them in the senior team squad.

South Korea are currently 48th in the latest FIFA world ranking. In the regional contest for qualficiation for the world cup, Korea would have to best Iran, Uzbekistan, Syria, China and Qater. They are set to host China – 78th in world ranking next week, but would be visitors when they meet Syria – ranked 105 in the world ranking.

South Korean coach Uli Steilike opines that the game against China is more important as it is the opener in the final qualifying round, aside being a tough opponent. South Korea has a record 17 wins, 12 draws and a loss against China. Steilike claims this time the setting is different, so he calls for calm and caution despite the Taegul Warriors defeating China 2-0 a year ago in the EAFF East Asian Championship. Steilike said China could catch them through counter attacks, win their huge number of fans swimming to the stadium in Seoul to cheer them on. The Korean Football Association (KFA) says training will start on Monday next week ahead of the important fixture.