Korean players and coach get $250,000 bonuses

South Korea's soccer squad resolved a dispute over bonuses yesterday with each player receiving 300 million won ($250,000) after the best performance by an Asian side in the World Cup's 72-year history.

The Korea FA had initially rejected player demands for the same bonus to be paid to every player, regardless of playing time. The KFA backed down yesterday, holding a ceremony to award equal bonuses to the 23-member squad and coach Guus Hiddink.

South Korea were praised for their fast, physical football which upset Poland, Portugal, Italy and Spain on the way to the semi-finals.

After failing to win a game in five previous appearances, South Korea, like co-hosts Japan, had worried about becoming the first hosts not to reach the round of 16.

The KFA offered players incentives of 100 million won each if they made the final 16 and like Japan, they did. The football association offered an additional 100 million won in the event South Korea reached the quarter-finals and then again for the semi-finals.

South Korea finished fourth in the tournament after losing 1-0 to Germany in the semi-finals and 3-2 to Turkey in the third place play-off game.