south korea

Manager: Huh Jung-Moo
Captain: Park Ji-Sung
FIFA Ranking: 48
World Cup appearances: 1954, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006
Best World Cup: Fourth Place – 2002

South Korea Team Profile:

Despite managing to qualify for the World Cup seven times, they’ve only once made any real inroads at the prestigious tournament. However, in 2002 South Korea were the surprise package of the whole tournament and went on to defy the odds on several occasions when beating Portugal, Spain via a penalty shoot-out and then Italy in the quart-finals to book their first ever Semi-Final appearance in a world cup. They unfortunately went on to lose both the Semi-Final and the third place play-off but the Koreans certainly left their mark on that tournament and they will be aiming to reach similar heights in South Africa.

Manager

Huh Jung-Moo was a cult hero in his time as a player for South Korea. During 1974-1986 Jung-Moo notched up no less then 84 appearances in a South Korean shirt, scoring 25 goals in the process. However, Jung-Moo is widely remembered for his goal against Japan back in 1985 when Jung-Moo scored the winner to send South Korea to the Mexican World Cup and start a run of six consecutive world cup appearances. A run which he has already extended as manager with qualification already wrapped up for South Africa.

South Korea Key Players

Park Ji-Sung

The United stalwart will look to lead by example in South Africa for the South Koreans and his experience in playing in arguably the worlds most exciting league has seen him take the captains armband for his country. Despite being often one of the smallest players on the park for both club and country, he has made a name for himself by being a gritty and determined individual and is now one of the first names on the team sheet at Manchester United. Park finished the qualifying campaign as South Korea’s top goalscorer which is a major concern when you consider that he does most of his work in the middle of the park. The forwards are obviously not adding their contribution.

South Korea Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Asia
Group: 2
Position: 2nd
Win-Draw-Lose: 3-3-2
Goals Scored: 7
Goals Conceded: 5

Qualifying Statistics:

- South Korea were one of just two sides in the Asian sector to finish qualifying with an unbeaten record of eight games without a single defeat.
- Their tally of twelve goals in eight games was the joint highest along with Australia who notched up the same amount of goals.
- Park Ji-Sung finished qualifying as South Korea’s top goalscorer with five goals.
- South Korea are the most successful country in Asia in regards to qualifying for the world cup. They’ve qualified for the last six world cup’s and have now made it seven with qualification for the 2010 World Cup already sewn up.

World Cup Potential: 2/5

Despite the heroics of 2002 which seen South Korea reach the third place play-off, we can’t see this crop of South Koreans going any further then the group stage. They would need a very easy group in order to progress as they simply lack enough quality players. Park Ji-Sung will do his obvious best to carry the Koreans as far as he can but that won’t be enough. A tricky opponent nevertheless but teams won’t fear South Korea this time around.

South Korea World Cup Betting Odds:

South Korea to win the World Cup: 250/1 Sportingbet

Before the World Cup the odds on South Korea were 250/1 

Official World Cup squad of South Korea

Goalkeepers

Woon-Jae Lee (Suwon)

Young-Kwang Kim (Ulsan)

Sung-Ryong Jung (Seongnam)

Defenders

Du-Ri Cha (SC Freiburg)

Hyung-Il Kim (Pohang)

Jung-Soo Lee (Kashima)

Young-Pyo Lee (Al Hilal)

Min-Soo Kang (Suwon)

Beom-Seok Oh (Ulsan)

Yong-Hyung Cho (Jeju)

Dong-Jin Kim (Ulsan)

Midfielders

Nam-Il Kim (Tom Tomsk)

Sung-Yong Ki (Celtic)

Jung-Woo Kim (Gwangju)

Ji-Sung Park (Manchester United)

Chung-Yong Lee (Bolton Wanderers)

Jae-Sung Kim (Pohang)

Bo-Kyung Kim (Oita Trinita)

Strikers

Seung-Yueng Lee (Seoul)

Jung-Hwan Ahn (Dalian Shide)

Chu-Young Park (AS Monaco)

Dong-Huk Lee (Jeonbuk)

Ki-Hun Yeom (Suwon)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 South Korea Fixtures – Group B

26/06 – 15.00 – Round of the last 16: South Korea – Uruguay: 1-2

World Cup 2010 Group B - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

Argentina V South Korea Preview

Kick-off: Thursday, 17th June – 12:30 GMT
Stadium: Soccer City Stadium, Johnannesburg
Referee: Frank de Bleckere (Belgium)
Group B

Argentina

Argentina, originally rated fourth most likely to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup according to punters and bookmakers, made the best possible start in South Africa with a 1-0 victory over African side Nigeria. The only goal of the game came via the head of defender Gabriel Heinze, formerly of Manchester United, and while their passionate supporters back home were expecting something along the lines of a rout in Johannesburg, the Argentine players thought otherwise and instead preferred to carry on winning games by the slimmest of margins like they did throughout a tense qualifying campaign.

It goes without saying that Argentina are expected to push on from their 1-0 win over Greece, to improve their World Cup reputation by adding more goals to their game. They have the strikers to do so, although that only adds to the expectancy surrounding the camp, but it does raise an interesting question in just why a country boasting so many world-class forwards can’t overhaul their opponents in an emphatic fashion. Let’s face it, Diego Maradona has a ridiculous amount of forward talent at his disposal, with Higuain, Tevez and Messi all on the pitch strutting their stuff as Sergio Aguro and Diego Milito warm the bench. Because the original starting three only conjured one goal, none if you really think about, will the controversial Maradona ring the changes, with Higuain in particular facing the chop after some rust finishing against the Nigerians.

Every World Cup Argentine turn up at they are expected to do well, heck they are generally an outright market frontrunner most of the time. However, what we have currently is an Argentina squad which hasn’t coped at all well under pressure, simply cannot cope with targets being set, so Carlos Tevez’s recent comments suggesting anything less than lifting the trophy on July 11th will be deemed a failure by all Argentine’s has us alarmed for the mental sakes of the Argentina squad. Even a one Lionel Messi, the greatest player on the planet at this moment in time, has tended to shy away from the limelight whenever he wears his Argentine shirt, so I’m shocked comments like that are being deemed acceptable by Maradona & Co although the former cheat is just as arrogant and confident about his country’s chances as the next Argentinian.

Like most, we were hugely disappointed with Argentina’s opening game in that they never really looked comfortable against an opponent, granted can be dangerous, they should of despatched without too much fuss. Their defence, one which contained Gutierrez at right-back (Winger by trade) was carved open on so many occasion by the use of pace from Nigeria. They did do well at keeping possession for large periods of time, a trait which has always been in the blood of Argentina teams in the past, but it reverts straight back to what they do with it, which just so happened to be next to nothing. Their goal came from a set-piece and despite some brief moments of magic from Messi, who was denied on several occasions by some sublime keeping, Argentina looked ordinary in the final third. An area which definitely needs looking into.

South Korea

The Koreans were surprisingly the country which impressed us most after all the first round of group games were completed, destroying the resilience and well built Greek rearguard to record a 2-0 victory. South Korea completely outplayed the 2004 European Champions and as a direct result have got themselves into a prominent position in Group B, leading the way currently on goal difference ahead of their next opponents, Argentina. For a country which has qualified for the knock-outs on just one previous occasion, with even that rare occurrence coming on home soil, it’s some some going although it’s still early days and while we’re ranting and raving about their opening result, we only hope the players heads are firmly on the ground and focused on their next task.

Park Ji-Sung topped scored for South Korea in qualifying and it was the Manchester United stalwart which grabbed the crucial second against Greece, the goal which effectively killed off the game. Park was instrumental throughout in all honesty, eager to get on the ball while some of his passes were pinpoint. The midfield was quick to close down Greece whenever the Europeans got hold of the ball, which wasn’t all that often, with our only real criticism of South Korea being their defence in that they could of got tighter to some of the Greek attackers, as should they give the likes of Messi and Tevez the same amount of lean way, they are sure to concede. The Korea goalkeeper, Lee Woon Jae, will also need to be on top of his game, as Nigerian kept the scoring to a minimum thanks to the display of their shot-stopper.

We’re honest enough to say that we are getting a bit too carried away with South Korea’s victory over Greece, as after all it was only Greece and the Greeks didn’t really bother to turn up. You also have to take into consideration Korea’s next opponents are that of World Cup winning quality, a team packed to rafters with high-quality individuals and match winners. Argentine are like no opponent South Korea have faced in competitive action for years, not since 2006 in fact, so it will be interesting to see how coach Huh Jung-Moo sets his side up for the barrage of attacks that awaits his South Korea team. We certainly don’t doubt the commitment of his players, as their application has always been unquestionable, but it’s going to take one huge collective team effort to even get a point against the Argentinian’s and whether South Korea can last the whole game harrying and running around after the ball is debatable.

South Korea have a terrible record when it comes to qualifying for the knock-outs in World Cup’s, with a 1 in 7 strike rate thus far. Their hard-fought 2-0 win over Greece however has left them in control of their own destiny and if they could somehow squeeze even a point out of this contest, it would set them up nicely for the Round of 16, leaving South Korea needing only to avoid defeat in their final game against Nigeria to be certain of a last-sixteen berth. That’s an appealing incentive for any nation, and we expect another courageous and industrious effort from the Asian side in a match where they’ll feel absolutely no pressure to win.

World Cup Preview – Argentina V South Korea Betting Tips

Match Odds:

Argentina – 1.50 Bet365
Draw – 4.50 Boylesports
South Korea – 8.50 totesport

Our Prediction: Argentina to Win – 1.50 Bet365

Whether it’s our gut instinct kicking in we don’t know, but we see goals in this game between two teams who won’t hold back. Of course, when not on the ball, South Korea will look to put as many men behind the ball as possible in order to protect parity, but they won’t be afraid to bomb forward when they gather possession themselves, and this South Korea side are quick, mobile and very agile. They’ll be a handful even for the great Argentina.

However, the factor which claimed our deciding vote was the list of forwards in the Argentina squad. With Messi, Higuain, Tevez or Milito charging at your defence, you’re always going to concede goal and with that it’s difficult to see how South Korea can keep this game competitive. The funny thing is, we can see South Korea scoring, perhaps even a few judging by how easily Nigeria carved open their defence, but if this game does open up, like we expect it will, it will play into Argentina’s favour and if this game does become a ‘who can score more’ contest we see only one winner.

Th tournament so far has shied away from entertaining games. We feel this one has the potential to be a corker.

Our Recommended Bet: Over 3.5 Goals – 4.50 Boylesports

Korea DPR

Pre-World Friendly Form: D

Greece 2-2 North Korea
Nigeria – North Korea

North Korea are the rank outsiders for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and are ranked 105 in the world according to the FIFA Rankings meaning they arrive in South Africa as the lowest ranked team. So, it won’t have been music to the ears of the North Koreans desperate to see some knock-out football when they were drawn in the ‘Group of Death’ alongside Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. However, if there gutsy display against Greece in their first warm up game was anything to go by, Korea DPR may just be more than a handful than many anticipate. Despite trailing early on, Korea DPR took the lead through two fabulous goals from a player the natives refer to as ‘The People’s Rooney’ in Jong Tae-Se. We were fortunate enough to watch this game and can honestly say North Korea were outstanding, with Jong Tae-Se in particular very impressive for the Koreans. Tae-Se was a constant threat to the Greece defenders, with his adventurous and fearless forward runs confusing an experienced Greek defence, while it finishing was sublime. That was a big result for North Korea and one which, had you watched or seen glimpses of, may change your opinion of Korea DPR from a football perspective.

Korea Republic

Pre-World Friendly Form:  LLWW

Korea Republic 2-0 Ecuador
Japan 0-2 Korea Republic
Korea Republic 0-1 Belarus
Spain 1-0 South Korea

The South Koreans haven’t faired too bad in their pre-World Cup friendlies, with their only jilt coming against Belarus. That defeat to Belarus did come as a shock although Belarus aren’t the worst European nation around and did earn a draw against Honduras a few days before. Before that though, Korea, who made the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup on home soil, etched two impressive victories over a dangerous Ecuador from South America and Asian rivals Japan, in Japan as well, beating the ‘Samurai Blue’ 2-0. Out of all the Asian contingents, South Korea are shaping up as one of the likelier nations to make the knock-out stage.

South Korea were expected to be put through their paces against the competition favourites Spain in Austria, but instead it was the Koreans making all the headlines but holding their own against the European champions. For over 80 minutes South Korea held their own against the Spanish and remained on terms, even creating a few openings themselves, decent ones at that which perhaps should have found the back of net. However, a sublime curling effort from Seville winger Jese Navas ensured South Korea’s industrious efforts were in vein, at least from a scoreline point of view, although their display on the whole was very pleasing and certainly provided coach Jung-Moo with some positive aspects to build upon ahead of their clash with Greece on June 12th.

Mexico

Pre-World Friendly Form: WWLLWW

Mexico 1-0 Senegal
Mexico 1-0 Angola
Mexico 1-0 Chile
England 3-1 Mexico
Holland 2-1 Mexico
Mexico 5-1 Gambia
Mexico 2-1 Italy

What with so many friendlies under their belts, Mexico will surely have the edge over all of their Group A opponents in South Africa in regards to overall fitness and match sharpness. Coach Javier Aguirre must of felt his players weren’t sharp enough as some returned from their European domestic seasons, and he may have been right. Despite winning three on the spin at one stage, beating Senegal, Angola and Chile all by a 1-0 scoreline in succession, Mexico came unstuck against the type of nations they will have to beat if they want to end their spooky voodoo of exiting the last four World Cup’s at the last-sixteen stage.

Against England, Mexico shown glimpse of genuine quality, with their crisp passing, slick interchanging and the pace at which they break promising. They weren’t the most organied of defences though, as was the same against Holland where they conceded two sloppy first half goals before Javier Hernandez, one of their promising youngsters for the future, scored in the second period to ensure Mexico got on the score sheet for the fifth game in a row. Mexico later made it six games in a row without failing to score when smashing Gambia 5-1, Javier Hernandez grabbing two in the rout.

On the whole pleasing, but there remains areas of the pitch, desfence in particular, where Aguirre needs to tweak before Mexico can really begin hyping up their chances of progressing from Group A. They do have goals in them and they will be one of the more entertaining teams to watch in South Africa.

Mexico’s seventh and final warm up game was against the reigning world champions Italy. If ever a coach wanted to test the mental capacity of his team as well as their potential to perform against the big teams then it was against the 2006 World Cup winners. Even so, we doubt even Javier Aguirre had envisaged a victory over the Italians, with Mexico finishing their preparations in some style with a 2-1 win over Italy. Goals from Carlos Vela and Alberto Medina were enough to see El Tri run out winners in a surprisingly high-tempered game, with no less than four Mexico players receiving a caution.

Netherlands

Pre-World Friendly Form:

Netherlands 2-1 Mexico
Netherlands 4-1 Ghana
Netherlands 6-1 Hungary

The Dutch have looked mightily impressive so far, despatching of Mexico and Ghana with a touch of class and comfort. Against the Mexicans, Holland stormed into a 2-0 lead and appeared to have the game wrapped up before half-time, with perhaps a big scoreline on the cards. They stepped off the gas in the second half though and had to settle for a less emphatic 2-1 win. Ghana though, well, Holland let rip against ‘The Black Stars’ of Africa, as the Dutch displayed their fabulous team-work, cohesion and all-round technical ability to blow Ghana away.

Holland have attracted plenty of support in the outright market and their recent display would indicate that punters are jumping on a team with the potential to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and one bang in form, on top of their game.

Bert Van Marwijk’s men were in six-y mood in their final game before the finals, smashing Hungary 6-1 as Holland recorded their third win on the trot and ensured they went into South Africa on a winning run. Despite conceding early on, Holland remained composed and goals from Robin Van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Elia, Van Bommel and a brace from Arjen Robben, who who subsequently left the pitch in discomfort, was more than enough to see Holland register yet another impressive win. The Dutch are quickly shaping up as a serious player in South Africa with these dominant displays.

New Zealand

Pre-World Friendly Form: LWL

Australia 2-1 New Zealand
Serbia 0-1 New Zealand
Slovenia 3-1 New Zealand
New Zealand – Chile

Just one win over Serbia is all New Zealand have to show for themselves after three internationals. The Kiwi’s started pretty well actually, unfortunately losing 2-1 to neighbours Australia after conceding in the 94th minute. Their second game seen them produce on of the shock results of this warm up period, beating a potential dark horse in Serbia 1-0 via a scruffy Smeltz goal. New Zealand weren’t to make it back-to-back wins however when falling to a 3-1 defeat against Slovenia. Ricki Herbert’s players were completely outclassed if truth be told, with only a Rory Fallon strike avoiding a whitewash.

Nigeria

Pre-World Friendly Form: DD

Nigeria 0-0 Saudi Arabia
Nigeria 1-1 Colombia
Nigeria V North Korea

The African ‘Super Eagles’ didn’t make the most convincing of starts in their bid to get in tip-top shape ahead of a testing World Cup campaign South Africa, where they’ll face Argentina, South Korea and Greece in Group B. It began with stalemate after drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in a game Nigeria failed to produce anything concrete in front of goal. Their second also ended in a share of the spoils, as Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw with non-qualifiers Colombia. Lars Lagerback’s men did at least get on the score sheet through Lukman Haruna. Nigeria will pit their wits against one of the rank outsiders, North Korea, before switching their attention towards the finals and qualifying from a competitive Group B.

Paraguay

Pre-World Friendly Form: WDL

Republic of Ireland 2-1 Paraguay
Paraguay 2-2 Cote d’Ivoire
Greece 0-2 Paraguay

It looked as though Paraguay, one of the more fancied outsiders for South Africa, were going to head into the finals without a victory to shout about. However, in the final game before the finals, Paraguay etched out an impressive and confidence producing win over 2004 European champions Greece, with goals from Lucas Barrios and Vera restoring some winning mentality following a draw with Ivory Coast and defeat to the Republic of Ireland. The defeat did come first against the Irish, and perhaps it is a testament to the coach and the players that they overcome their opening setback to later on record a draw and a win. Barrios was once again on the score sheet against Ireland, as well was he against the Ivory Coast, with the Borussia Dortmund forward scoring in every game for Paraguay thus far.

Although the 2-0 victory over the Greek’s was the most pleasing of results on paper, Paraguay’s comeback against Ivory Coast impressed us the most as it was a game Paraguay looked destined to lose at one stage. Roque Santa Cruz’s second half appearance was what spurred Paraguay on, while it was a stunning volley from Barrios which sparked the revival. Paraguay have shown some early ability to defy adversity, to put losses behind them and to recover from deficits in games. Two traits which can only benefit them in South Africa.

Portugal

Pre-World Friendly Form: WD

Portugal 0-0 Cape Verde
Portugal 3-1 Cameroon
Portugal – Mozambique

The Portuguese will arrive in South Africa as an outsider can you believe it, although they were justifying their outsider tag when only mustering a draw against minnows Cape Verde. It was another alarming display from Portugal, lacking any cutting edge of clinical play in front of goal. That wasn’t to be the case against Cameroon though, with Portugal finally exerting some forward supremacy with goals from Raul Meireles, two in fact from the midfielder, and Manchester United winger Nani. Ronaldo, though, failed to find the goal in both encounters and that’s a worrying sign considering the hopes of a nation rest upon his broad shoulders.

Portugal will complete their warm up campaign against Mozambique on June 7th before fully committing to the forthcoming finals, where they’ll clash with Brazil and Ivory Coast in the ‘Group of Death’ as well as North Korea in Group G.

Spain 1-0 South Korea

Goal(s): J. Navas

Italy 1-2 Mexico

Goal(s): L. Bonucci; C. Vela, A. Medina

Germany 3-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina

Goal(s): P. Lahm, B. Schweinsteiger; E. Dzeko

Spain geared up for the 2010 FIFA World Cup by winning their second successive international, recording a 1-0 win over South Korea. The Koreans were aiming to avoid succumbing to their second defeat on the spin but despite putting up some stern resistance against the reigning European champions, Huh Jung-Moo’s men came up short once again as their preparations hit a divot while Spain’s continue to build up winning momentum ahead of the finals.

Vicente Del Bosque opted to hand some of his fringe players the chance to shine from the off in a bid to get the entire squad fit, healthy and up to scratch before Spain’s first World Cup encounter against Switzerland on June 16th in Durban. Pepe Reina, who only today found out his club manager had been sacked at Liverpool, started in goal while Javi Martinez, Juan Mata, Jesus Navas, Fernando Llrorente and Barcelona-bound Cesc Fabregas also named in the starting eleven. To be honest, it was easy to spot that Del Bosque had made a number of changes as Spain’s play in the opening half-an-hour or so wasn’t it’s fluid self, nor were the chances raining down on Lee’s goal. In fact, it was South Korea who should have gone in at the break with a first-half lead were it not for some reaction saves from the Liverpool keeper, Reina.

At the break, with Del Bosque noticing the need for some fresh impotence, David Villa and Iniesta were among those introduced for the second half in a bid to speed up Spain’s attacking play. It did work to an extent, with Spain enjoying large periods of possession but without really putting the Korean goal under any great deal of pressure. Villa, however, really should of scored with 15 minutes to go, slicing wide when it was easier to score. The game was seemingly petering out into a stalemate unless someone popped up with something special. There were enough stars on the pitch for this to happen but when it did few would have predicted the hero. Jesus Navas, a dangerous winger for his club Seville but not so prominently featuring for Spain in recent years, put his name well and truly into the starting equation for the game against Switzerland on June 16th with a magnificent strike from 25 yards out, curling a delicious shot into the top right-hand corner of Lee’s goal. 

Spain’s goal, what proved to be the winner, came with just four minutes to go and in typical Spanish fashion. ‘La Furia Roja’ closed the game out in a comfortable manner by simply passing South Korea to death. This may have been merely a friendly, with nothing at all at stake for either side, but it could prove pivotal come the finals as it leaves Spain riding high on euphoria after two successive wins and South Korea dwelling on two near-misses, two defeats on the bounce for coach Jung-Moo to digest.

Goal(s): J. Navas

World-Cup-Betting MOTM: J. Navas

Monday 24th May

Australia 2-1 New Zealand
Japan 0-2 South Korea
Portugal 0-0 Cap Verde Islands
South Africa 1-1 Bulgaria
England 3-1 Mexico
Argentina 5-0 Canada

In regards to those heading to South Africa for the World Cup next month; Argentina, Australia, England and Australia all recorded some valuable, morale boosting wins. Whereas Portugal and South Africa could only muster low-scoring draws.

The two early encounters seen Australia secure a last-gasp winner against the Kiwi’s after coming from a goal down to win 2-1 via goals from Dario Vidosic and Brett Holman; Chris Killen scored New Zealand’s opener with just 16 minutes on the clock. A little later and it was the turn of Japan and South Korea, two nations with a fierce Asian rivalry. The Japanese have been disappointing their adoring fans all year long and kept up their miserable trend by losing 2-0 to the Koreans on home soil, with Manchester United#s Ji-Sung Park scoring Korea’s opener while forward Park Chu-Young scored a late penalty to wrap up a relatively straight-forward win over a nation also competing in next months show-piece.

In the evening, kicking off within 15 minutes of one another, South Africa and Portugal were playing out draws would could yet be like a dagger to the pride of both camps in games both country’s will have fancied their chances of winning. The Portuguese, who struggled throughout qualifying for the World Cup and needed a play-off before sealing their qualification, limped to a 0-0 draw against a Cape Verde Islands team ranked 117th in the FIFA Rankings. Bafana Bafana registered another international friendly draw, their fourth in six friendlies, as Bulgaria held Carlos Alberto Parreria’s side to a 1-1 draw, after defender Siyabonga Sangweni sent the home fans into raptures only to see the Bulgarians draw level 12 minutes later after FC Parma’s Valeri Bojinov’s strike.

The two night games seen three World Cup teams in action, as England of Group C took on Mexico of Group A while Argentina arranged one of the more simpler of friendlies against Canada. The battle between England and Mexico was intriguing, with Mexico succumbing to a 3-1 loss despite enjoying large spells of possession and carving out numerous opportunities. Goals from Ledley King, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson were enough for Capello’s Three Lions though, while West Ham’s Guillermo Franco scored Mexico’s only goal of the night at Wembley. Argentina were the last team to conclude Monday’s friendly encounters beating Canada in a resounding fashion. Goals from Carlos Tevez, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and a brace from Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez was enough to send the Argie’s to an impressive victory over a Canadian side which provided little threat in the final third of the pitch.

Japan V South Korea

International Friendly
Monday, 24th May – 11:15 GMT
Live coverage can be found by logging into your Bet365 account.

It’s an all Asian battle tomorrow, as two bitter foes clash ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa next month. Japan, whom suffered a bitter tasting 3-1 defeat to South Korea in the Asian Championships, not the European equivalent to the UEFA European Championships, back in February earlier this year. So revenge will be in order as the Japanese provide travellers South Korea with a hostile reception despite Monday’s encounter being a mere friendly.

Japan

It’s been a turbulent 2010 for Japan, whom after cruising through qualification and into the first African World Cup without too much fuss, have endured a frustrating build up ahead of the finals in June. Japan coach Takeshi Okada will demand a committed performance from his team tomorrow with Japan’s first World Cup clash with Cameroon on June 14th in mind. 2010 has, however, been somewhat of a year to forget thus far, although that can easily corrected with some hard work in South Africa in a few weeks time.

At the beginning of the year, Japan partook in the East Asian Championship were all they could muster was one win from three games, with that solitary success coming against a less than ordinary Hong Kong. The defeat of Hong Kong in February remains one of only two victories Japan have tasted this year, with the other coming in an Asian Cup Qualifier against Bahrain back in March, with Okada’s men finishing as 2-0 winners. It was, however, a little over a month ago that Japan endured one of their more embarrassing friendly losses when succumbing to a 3-0 defeat against a Serbia team consisting of mainly fringe players and no European stars. It was a defeat which may well have scarred some of the Japan players mentally but it’s a defeat they must and could get out of their system against South Korea tomorrow, aiding their South Africa transition in the process.

It was only last week that Japan coach Takeshi Okada made some audacious claims that Japan were targeting a semi-final finish, what would be Japan’s personal best in a World Cup should they defy the odds in South Africa next month. Okada made some bold claims and raised both the expectations levels back home as well as increasing the pressure levels within his own camp. On Monday, Japan will be put to the test against another Asian team heading to the finals next month, and after a troublesome 2010, it remains to be seen as to whether Japan will head to South Africa with some positive aurora.

South Korea

I’m sure a large number of you will remember the 2002 World Cup finals which were held in Korea and Japan, where South Korea embarked on a momentus journey into the semi-finals only to be refused final participation by the Golden Goal rule at the expense of Italy. A worldwide renowned Guus Hiddink was at the helm in 2002, Huh Jung-Moo grasped the opportunity to fill Hiddink’s huge shoes and began well, guding South Korea, or Korea Republic, to the 2010 finals in South Africa with an air of confidence, thus ensuring the country would participate in their seventh consecutive World Cup finals.

South Korea were remarkably clinical during qualifying, often winning their qualifiers by the odd goal, butit’s the sheer fact the country will be making their seventh successive appearance in the finals which will install a great deal of confidence and honour into the Korean team ahead of a big summer of football for the country. They started the year with a sour note however, finishing as the runners-up in the East Asian Championships, after losing to China in the final after earlier beating Japan 3-1. Jung-Moo didn’t allow his players to get down about their near miss however, as in South Korea’s next match they beat Les Elephants 2-0 out in Ivory Coast – South Korea’s most impressive pre-World Cup friendly result up till now although victory tomorrow might eclipse their Ivory Coast feat. A little over a week ago, on May 16th, South Korea despatched of Ecuador from South America in comfortable fashion, beating an improving Ecuador team 2-0 on home soil.

The Koreans have enjoyed the better football in 2010, while their two friendly victory’s in March and May will stand them in good stead ahead of this Japan tester, as well as raise the roof in regards to the confidence levels of the players. Jung-Moo will be looking for his third successive friendly success on Monday, a hat-trick of positive results, and victory against one of Korea’s biggest Asian rivals would ensure their pre-World Cup preparations remain on track, and possibly even ahead of schedule.

Match Odds:

Japan – 2.15 bWin
Draw – 3.30 Bet365
South Korea – 3.60 WilliamHill

Our Prediction: Draw (0-0)

Tomorrow’s all-Asian clash is expected to be tight and scrappy, with free-flowing football and exciting goalmouth action possibly at a premium. Neither of these two teams were especially prolific during their successful qualifying campaigns while both tend to play with an air of caution. A low scoring draw and both parties head back to camp happy.

Our Recommendation: Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.60 Bet365

Host(s): South Korea & Japan
Winners: Brazil
Runners-up: Germany
Third Place: Turkey
Fourth Place: South Korea
Top Goalscorer: Ronaldo (Brazil) – 8 Goals
Participants: 32 (Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Uruguay)

The World Cup saw a first as two nations combined their resources to hold a two-nation World Cup with the 2002 World Cup held in South Korea & Japan.  It was also the first World Cup to be held on the Asian continent.

The final saw two familiar foes although it was the first time West Germany and Brazil had battled it out in a final of a World Cup. However, it was the Brazilians who came out victorious winning 2-0 in Yokohama.

South Korea & Japan automatically qualified by virtue of being hosts but France were also granted a berth into the finals as defending champions but that rule was soon scraped after the finals.

A unique factor about these finals was that all previous seven winners of the World Cup all qualified for South Korea & Japan 2002. The first time that so many champions had appeared in a major competition with Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy and Uruguay all competing for the World Cup crown.

Four new nations qualified for the Asian World Cup with Chile & Ecuador qualifying from South America while Senegal qualified as an African contingent and Slovenia from Europe.

The defending champions didn’t get off to the best of starts as they lost their opening match against Senegal. This was arguably the shock of the tournament and set the way for what would be a surprising tournament filled with overachieving nations. Brazil and Germany may have competed for the World Cup title itself in the final but Turkey and South Korea were vying for a third-place finish with very few predicting that.

Brazilian sensation Ronaldo set the tournament a lite with his eight goals and help guide Brazil to their fifth World Cup title. Ronaldo’s two goals in the final was evidence of this.

Final:

Brazil 2 – 0 Germany – Yokohama International Stadium ~ 69,029 Attendance

Goalscorers:

Brazil – Ronaldo x2
Germany –

Third Place Play-Off:

South Korea 2 – 3 Turkey

Goalscorers:

South Korea – Lee Eul-Yong, Song Chong-Gug
Turkey – Hakan, Ilhan x2