Korea Republic's passage to the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup is a milestone in the continent's history worth revisiting time and time again. Prior to their fabled run to the last four 16 years ago, Asia had never had a team gone so far at the international game's highest level, with DPR Korea's memorable 1966 quarter-final finish the best effort to date.

22nd June, 16 years ago, Korea Republic made history.

Asian teams had only once before reached the last eight – some 36 years before – let alone the final four.

Korea Republic's World Cup squad was officially disbanded on Friday after its return from Russia 2018. The Taeguk Warriors failed to reach the Round of 16 after finishing third in Group F. They lost 1-0 to Sweden and fell 2-1 to Mexico but stunned defending champions Germany 2-0.

After their four-year journey to football's showpiece event ended with regrets, Korea Republic will now move on to the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, where they will be defending their gold medal.

The men's football competition at the Asian Games will be held from August 14 to September 1 with 32 teams.

Only players born in or after January 1995 are eligible to take part in the men's football competition at the Asian Games, but a maximum of three players who are older than 23 can also be included on the official list of 20 players.

Many of the Samurai Blue shone in the first round while, although departed, a number of players from Asia’s four other representatives grabbed the world’s attention. The-AFC.com has chosen five for you to vote for your standout performer.

The 29-year-old has signed a two-year deal and  becomes Newcastle's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Martin Dubravka.

"I'm so pleased I can join the club. I was always pleasantly surprised when I came to St. James Park to play against Newcastle - there is a great atmosphere and the passion from the fans is a great support to the players," Ki told the club's official website.

"Everyone knows how big this club is so I'm really looking forward to playing with my teammates and for the fans."

The players, Son assured the fans, would not allow the result - which eliminated 2014 FIFA World Cup winners Germany - to make them complacent.

"I am sorry to our fans that we didn't live up to our promise of reaching the knockout stage," Son said. "But I think we all saw some hope from the win over Germany.

"However, the win over Germany doesn't mean we are satisfied. We will continue to work hard," said the Tottenham Hotspur forward.

Kim scored the first goal at the end of regulation time before Son Heung-min gave Shin Tae-yong’s side a decisive second that ensured the Koreans departed Russia on a high despite exiting the competition.

Shin’s team needed to win the game by two clear goals but also required Mexico to beat Sweden if they were to advance to the last 16, only for the Swedes to win 3-0 as both they and the Mexicans progressed.