This match will represent one final chance for South Korea to try for a place in the Round of 16 while World Cup dark horses Belgium will try to finish with nine points at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo. The other group game which takes place at the same time is also of immense importance as one of Algeria and Russia, who face off at the same time could advance. Belgium is already through with six points from two games, Algeria is second on three points while Russia and South Korea have one each.
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The Koreans started their tournament with a 1-1 draw against Russia as they couldn’t hold on to a lead gifted to them by Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev’s howler. The next match left the Asians with a damaging -2 goal difference as they lost 4-2 to fellow hopefuls Algeria. Now qualification for the second round, while still mathematically possible, seems like a tall order for the Taegeuk warriors. They will need to beat Belgium by a big margin on Thursday for them to have a chance of progressing. However, if Algeria win against Russia, a South Korea win will be wasted as the Africans will advance instead. But if Russia win or secure a draw against Algeria, then South Korea will have a chance of reaching the Round of 16.
Belgium came into the World Cup as one of the most promising teams and while they are yet to truly flourish, the Western Europeans have secured qualification for the next round with six points in two matches. After making use of his strong bench in the 2-1 win against Algeria in the last match, Belgium coach Marc Wilmots will be willing to experiment even more against South Korea. With his sight already on the Round of 16, Wilmots could be looking to rest some of his first team stars in favour of giving the others a run out. Team rotation notwithstanding, Wilmots will want his charges to secure a win in order to be assured of top spot.
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‘I just want that first place,’ he said. ‘Whether we play Germany now or later, what’s the difference? For all we know, Germany might still finish second in its group.’
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South Korea do not exactly have a wealth of attacking options on the bench and will be looking to Heung-Ming Son to light up their attack against Belgium.
For Belgium, players like Steven Defour, Divock Origi and Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj will be pushing for a place in Marc Wilmots’starting XI.
Probable Lineups
South Korea (4-2-3-1): Sung- Ryong; Suk- Young, Young- Gwan, Jeong- Ho, Lee Young, Sung- Yueng, Kook- Young; Heung- Min, Ja- Cheol, Chung- Yong; Chu- Young
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vermaelen; Defour, Fellaini; Januzaj, De Bruyne, Hazard; Origi
PREDICTION
Once again, Belgium might not put on a show but expect them to be efficient. South Korea’s backline is not the best around and will probably concede a couple of goals against the Belgians.
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