JAKARTA, July 12 - South Korea's stuttering start to another Asian Cup campaign has done little to allay concerns that a jinx is hanging over the team.

One of the traditional powerhouses of soccer in the region and World Cup semi-finalists in 2002, the Koreans have waited almost 50 years since their last Asian Cup triumph.

A 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in their Group D opener extended a depressing run of results against the Arab side, whom they last beat in 1989.

Add in pre-match health issues, a controversial refereeing decision and stadium power blackout and it is understandable why Koreans might feel they are destined never to win the Asian Cup again.

Korea coach Pim Verbeek said the situation in the stadium was truly surreal.

"In my 25 years in professional football I have never ever seen anything like that," the Dutchman told reporters on Thursday.

"It was bad for the players, bad for the image of Asian football. I have never seen anything like it in my life."

The draw against Saudi Arabia marked the third consecutive Asian Cup where Korea have failed to win their opening fixture.

"The Asian Cup jinx strikes again!" declared South Korean media.

Many focused on Korea's woeful record against the Saudis.

"18 years of lament unbroken!" they said.

STRANGE CIRCUMSTANCES

Preparations for the Group D opener were also hit by a raft of unfortunate developments.

Already shorn of his three big names from England's Premier League -- Park Ji-sung, Lee Young-pyo and Seol Ki-hyeon -- through injury, Korea surprisingly started the match without tricky winger Lee Chun-soo.

Verbeek later revealed that Lee had come down with a fever the night before the game.

Despite the sub-strength squad, Korea overcame a nervous start to dominate Saudi Arabia in the second half and were good value for their 1-0 lead with just over 10 minutes left.

That was when things started to go wrong.

Saudi Arabia were awarded a dubious penalty, which they converted, before a power failure plunged the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium into darkness.

After play resumed some 25 minutes later, the Saudis almost caught Korea cold and should have snatched a winner, Saad Al Harthi hitting the side netting with seconds remaining.

Korea Football Association spokesman Song Ki-ryong played down the "jinx" theory but conceded that recent results could make people believe in one.

"You cannot say something always happens, but when people see the team not winning repeatedly it does give the impression that there's such a trend," he said.