South Korea’s fortunes have taken a nose dive since the heady days of reaching the semi finals on home soil in 2002. Hong Myung-Bo whose penalty ensured that the Koreans became the first Asian side to reach the last four of the World Cup is now the head coach of the side, and even he would know that making it out of this group will be a success in itself. Hong has built the present Korean team on energy, efficiency and teamwork but it remains to be seen how far they would go. After struggling to qualify for Brazil- only on goal difference- the South Koreans lost to 1-0 to Tunisia and more worryingly, 4-0 to Ghana in their pre-World Cup warm up matches. In the last five international friendly matches they played, South Korea lost four and failed to score in each of those defeats. Hong’s side are underdogs in this group which also include Tuesday’s opponents Russia, Algeria and the immensely talented Belgium.
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Unlike their South Korean opponents who have become a part and parcel of recent World Cup tournaments, Russia missed out in 2006 and 2010. They have never made it out of the group stage after crashing out at the first hurdle in both 1994 and 2002. This time around however, Fabio Capello’s side are in imperious form as their last defeat came almost a year ago in a qualifying match against Northern Ireland. They topped their group ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and will hope to follow favourites Belgium into the Round of 16.
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TEAM NEWS
South Korea have no injury worries ahead of this match but Hong Myung-Bo has to decide on who to lead the attack between Kin Shin-Wook and Arsenal’s Park Chu-Young. Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Heung Min Son is expected to play in the hole behind the striker ahead of a 2-man defensive midfield shield.
Russia, meanwhile, had to leave influential midfielder and team captain Roman Shirokov at home after he was ruled out of the whole tournament due to a knee ligament injury. The 27-year old’s absence will be a huge blow to Russia’s chances and could force Capello to place more emphasis on the wings. Alternatively, he could instruct his team to play through CSKA Moscow playmaker Alan Dzagoev.
Possible Starting Lineups
Russia (4-4-1-1): Akinfeev; Eschenko, Ignashevich, Berezutski, Kombarov; Samedov, Denisov;
Faizulin, Zhirkov; Dzagoev; Kokorin
South Korea (4-4-1-1): Sung-Ryong; Yong, Jeong-Ho, Young-Gwon, Sook-Young; Kook-Young, Sung-Yong, Ja-Cheol, Chung-Yong; Heung-Min; Chu Young
ONE TO WATCH
Attacking midfielder Son Heung Min is South Korea’s most dangerous player and they will look to get the ball to him as often as possible. The Bayer Leverkusen man has guile, creativity and a nose for goal and will hope to lead his team to the next round.
PREDICTION
Russia have a strong team while the Koreans are fast and despite their poor run of form (pun intended), the Asians can trouble Russia. This match will be an exciting battle between two teams that will fancy their chances of advancing into the Round of 16.
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