Phillip Buckley
What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: Nigeria vs South Korea (Group B)
When: Tuesday 21st June, 2010, at 19:30 UK time
Where: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa
African Dreams Crushed
Nigeria, like so many African nations, opted for a foreign coach to lead them into the World Cup, this time in the shape of Swede Lars Lagerback. It was a decision greeted with much debate, as Lagerback had failed to qualify his own country for South Africa. Now, with two defeats from their two group games so far, the appointment of the Swedish boss looks the wrong move.
The Super Eagles do have a chance to at least record a win over South Korea here and by enough goals that could even see them qualify. Hoping Argentina do them a favour against Greece, Nigeria need to hit the ground running against the Koreans. Lagerback will surely want his stars to use their physical presence to make the game an uneasy one for the Asian side.
Nearly there
South Korea know that a draw could well be enough to take them through to the last 16, especially as Argentina will be well fancied to beat the Greeks. The South Koreans though are not seeing it that way. "We must win to get to the second round," said midfielder Kim Jung-Woo. "Some people are talking about a draw being enough, but we want to win."
The Asians’ work-rate and determination has yet again shone through in South Africa, combined with a good dose of skill. Greece simply did not know what had hit them in the first group game and while Argentina eventually triumphed 4-1 over the Koreans, it was a result which flattered them in many ways. A concern for the Asian giants will be Nigeria’s physical presence, as it always is when an African side meets one from the Far East.
Recent form
Nigeria:
Nigeria 3-1 North Korea (06/06; Friendly)
Nigeria 0-1 Argentina (12/06; World Cup – Group B)
Greece 2-1 Nigeria (17/06; World Cup – Group B)
South Korea:
Spain 1-0 South Korea (03/06; Friendly)
South Korea 2-0 Greece (12/06; World Cup – Group B)
Argentina 4-1 South Korea (17/06; World Cup – Group B)
Players to watch
Nigeria – Kalu Uche: Able to play up front or in midfield, Uche has scored what, so far, is Nigeria’s only goal of the World Cup. The 27-year-old, who plays his football in La Liga, is an exciting prospect going forward and able to deliver an excellent set piece. Uche’s driving runs will be a big factor in how Nigeria do.
South Korea – Park Ji-Sung: South Korea’s captain is at the centre of all they do. A goal scorer against Greece, Park Ji-Sung is able to support the frontline with surging runs. His intelligence when in possession is also another key feature of the Koreans’ play. Should the Manchester United man be allowed to play his own game and given time and space to operate, he can direct his team-mates to cause maximum damage.
Match prediction
Nigeria have seemed lacklustre at times in this World Cup, but could, amazingly, yet qualify. South Korea are a fighting team though and will not give one inch. With Argentina expected to beat Greece, the Asians may well not be too disappointed with a draw, despite their words in public. And a draw is probably how they one will end, perhaps 1-1.
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