Veteran Greece coach Otto Rehhagel's wait to lead a side out into World Cup battle will finally come to an end on Saturday.

The 71-year-old German has achieved much in his distinguished managerial career and sent shockwaves around Europe when he guided the Greeks to their stunning Euro 2004 triumph against all the odds.

Six years on, he will at last get a chance to ply his trade on the biggest stage of all having missed out in 2006, and he is looking forward to the challenge, which starts with the Group B opener against South Korea in Port Elizabeth.

Rehhagel said: "Some things take their time. I am pleased to take on such a huge challenge. Everything comes in due course."

The Greece coach has warned his players they can take nothing for granted against South Korea.

Rehhagel said: "Things don't repeat themselves. We have a saying in Greece: `Ta panta ri' - everything flows.

"In 1962, as far back as that, we travelled through Asia and played against Asian teams and won 6-0, 7-0 or even more.

"But that is long past. The Asian teams have come on massively. They run like panthers and they are very clever when it comes to tactics as well.

"The Asian teams are very disciplined and I told my team this morning `If you think for a fraction of a second that you can afford not to pay attention, you will be badly punished."

South Korea skipper Park Ji-sung is determined his stay in South Africa will not end after the group stage.

"My objective for this World Cup is that round of 16," said the Manchester United star. "I am not thinking of anything else but that."