Switzerland defender Philippe Senderos has told South Korea they can no longer rely on the element of surprise.

The Swiss need just a draw in Hanover tonight to be sure of progressing but the Koreans, who are expecting France to beat Togo, know only victory will keep their fate in their own hands.

South Korea marched all the way to the semi-finals in 2002 under Guus Hiddink but that was largely because of home advantage and being an unknown quantity to many European teams.

Senderos is keen to condemn the Koreans, who are now managed by another Dutchman in Dick Advocaat, to an early elimination this time however.

"We know from the last World Cup that they have great ability," he said.

"Then they created a surprise but they are not a surprise any more and we know they can play well against big teams."

The Arsenal defender is still only 21 but has now added World Cup experience to the Champions League games granted to him at Highbury.

Most of his team-mates are in their early 20s and Senderos was convinced a nation that will co-host the Euro 2008 finals was on the verge of a golden era.

He said: "We are a team that is growing up and getting better every game, which is what you want.

"We want to grow in confidence and continue because there is still a lot of work still to do with this team.

"It is a great experience playing in the World Cup and it is a massive feeling knowing the whole country is behind us.

"For me, it had always been a dream to be playing in the World Cup and I want to make all the people who are behind us proud.

"In Switzerland everyone is vibrating every minute of every match and it would be great for all of us if we go through."

Coach Jakob Kuhn revealed he had the same goal.

"I don't know if this is the best ever Swiss team but we hope to be that some time," he said.

"It is certainly the youngest. We have a bright future."

If Switzerland win they will take on the Group H runners-up, which are likely to be Ukraine.

Coming second to France, however, would almost certainly see the Swiss having to take on in-form Spain.

Kuhn said: "We hope to be playing against Ukraine. I think we are going to have to win the group."