Choi has made himself a comfortable niche in defence alongside Hong Myung-bo and team captain Kim Tae-young.

And he now looks destined to hold on to that berth in South Korea's back four for the duration of his country's stay in the tournament.

The problem for Guus Hiddink, however, will be if any of his trusted trio of 30-somethings are injured. The hosts simply lack strength in depth in their defence.

Choi is a strong man-marker but never looks happier than when he is pushing Korea's attacks up the right flank - and has scored at international level.