Former South Korean footballer Yoo Sang-chul has died at the age of 49, struck down by pancreatic cancer. The midfielder was a pillar of the South Korean national team led by Dutch coach Guus Hiddink and surprised the world by leading his country to the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup where it was defeated by Germany. However, a result achieved by beating Poland, Italy and Spain. In the national team, from 1994 to 2005, he made 124 appearances and scored 18 goals.
Yoo won the K-League title in the ranks of Ulsan Hyundai in 1996 and 2005 and also helped Yokohama F Marinos win the J-League in 2003 and 2004 before pursuing a career as a coach. Career that he interrupted when he discovered his illness. Many messages of condolence posted on social media: “You are our hero”, “Thank you for giving us a wonderful memory, which we will keep forever”.