BONN, June 15 - South Korea striker Ahn Jung-hwan is putting the team's World Cup success before personal glory, leaving team mates to argue he deserves a starting role.

Ahn, who played a key role in South Korea's run to the semi-finals as co-hosts in 2002, came off the bench to score a superb winner in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Togo.

Several senior players have since urged South Korea coach Dick Advocaat to start Ahn in attack in the team's second Group G game against France on Sunday.

But Ahn has refused to get involved in the debate.

"Obviously I want to start against France but that's the coach's decision," Ahn told reporters. "I'm just happy to help the team win."

TALISMANIC FIGURE

Ahn has become something of a talismanic figure for South Korea in World Cup games, memorably scoring the golden goal that knocked Italy out of the 2002 tournament.

The 30-year-old gave South Korea their first World Cup victory on foreign soil with a brilliantly struck right-foot volley against Togo.

"Words can't describe how good that felt," said Ahn. "The moment I hit it, it felt like the ball was being sucked into the goal. It was amazing."

English-based midfielder Park Ji-sung is one of several players agitating for Ahn's inclusion in South Korea's starting 11.

"We trust Jung-hwan to score goals when we need them," he said. "He's got a lot of experience and he never lets us down."

South Korea lead Group G following France's goalless draw with Switzerland in their opening game.