World Cup 2014 countdown: Ahn Jung-Hwan knocks Italy out in 2002 in an 'affront to Italian pride'

Counting down the 100 greatest moments in the history of the World Cup

(GETTY IMAGES)

The World Cup in Brazil is coming into view and everyone is hoping this summer's carnival can take its place among some of the great tournaments of the past.

That won't be easy though, as this series will testify. In the run-up to the tournament, we're counting down the 100 greatest World Cup moments.

Check out our latest instalment below, and for any you missed, see the gallery at the end of the article.

Ahn Jung-Hwan knocks Italy out in 2002 in an 'affront to Italian pride'

South Korea's run to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals was remarkable.

Along the way they disposed of Portugal, Italy and Spain and it was the match against the Italians that caught the most attention.

The hosts beat Italy thanks to a Golden Goal from Ahn Jung-Hwan, who at the time was plying his trade at Perugia.

Soon after the game, the president of his club came out and said "That gentleman will never set foot in Perugia again. He was a phenomenon only when he played against Italy. I am a nationalist and I regard such behaviour not only as an affront to Italian pride but also an offence to a country which two years ago opened its doors to him. I have no intention of paying a salary to someone who has ruined Italian soccer."

And indeed, Jung-Hwan never played for the club again.