PREVIEW: South Korea vs Russia

Although not many fans know too much about South Korea and Russia compared to Brazil and Germany, this game pretty much determines who will get to advance to 16^th round with Belgium from Group H. Knowing that Belgium is above their game, both teams will fight over for the next ticket to the 16^th round. They also have to watch out Algeria as Algerians are not easy to beat.

As Hong Myung-Bo became the manager for South Korea’s national team, high expectations have been set up against him. Not only was he the former captain and legend during the 2002 World Cup, he also successfully coached the U-23 South Korea’s national team to a third place finish in the 2012 Olympics. No wonder so many Korean fans are expecting so much from Hong.

Jan 29, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Korea Republic forward Lee Keun-Ho (11) takes a shot against Mexico defender Rafael Marquez (behind) during the first half in a friendly soccer match at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

But let’s be real now. Under Hong’s leadership, I am 100% sure that South Koreans would love to show the world that they can repeat the 2002 campaign in which they reached to semifinals on their home turf, but their recent losses in their last friendlies clearly show that this World Cup is going to be very tough. As they lost to Tunisia (0-1) and Ghana (0-4) in their warm up matches, the Taeguk Warriors’ feeble defense and lack of creativity in offense have been exposed too soon.

Considering the fact that Hong has chosen Park Chu Young (who really hasn’t been in action for a year) as the main attacker over Kim Shin Wook and other attackers, many fans start to question if Hong is using favoritism for his team. But again, he would excuse himself by saying no one knows how to play his style except Park Chu Young (perfect excuse). Still, South Korea should not be underestimated as Ki Sung-Yeung, Son Heung-Min, and Lee Chung-Yong will threaten Russia’s midfield with their aggressive play styles and fast pace.

For Russia, former England manager Fabio Capello looks forward for a better World Cup campaign with his young Russian squad. Even though Capello’s disciplinary approach failed to earn respect from English players, many Russians became respectful towards his strategy as he led them to the World Cup. Despite the fact that Arshavin is missed out from the squad (well his golden age has been over for ages) along with team captain Shirokov due to back injury, Capello remains confident that his team will go far as they have surpassed Portugal in their World Cup qualification process.

Russia will rely on center back Vasily Berezutskiy to lead the team for Shirokov instead. Russia boasts well-organized and patient midfield under Berezutskiy and had successfully defeated previous teams through their midfield. Former Chelsea man Yuri Zhirkov can also be a great contribution to Berezutskiy’s midfield as well.

Up front, Capello will either use young Aleksandr Kokorin or veteran Aleksandr Kerzhakov to spearhead the offense. Kokorin will be most likely to be chosen to lead the offense as his speed can counter against Korea’s midfield comparing to slow Kerzhakov. This game will be really interesting to see as they claim over the ticket to the next round.

"Projected Starting XI’sSouth Korea: Jung Sung-Ryong; Lee Yong, Hong Jeong-Ho, Kim Yong-Gwon, Park Chu-Ho; Han Kook-Young, Ki Sung-Yeung, Koo Jae-Cheol, Lee Chung-Yong; Son Heung-Min; Park Chu-Young.Russia: Akinfeev; Eschenko, Ignashevich, Berezutski, Kombarov; Samedov, Deniov, Faizulin, Zhirkov; Dzagoev; Kokorin"

Key’s for Korea:

• Don’t play Kwak Tae-Hwi whatsoever! Although he is the veteran of the team, his feet are too slow to act against counterattack against Kokorin or Kerzhakov. Also, he made really amateur level mistakes as Korea played against Ghana and it was partially his fault that Ghana won 4-0. Instead of helping the team, he will make the matter worse.
• Take an advantage of Son Heung-Min and Lee Chung-Yong. If Korea uses them wisely for right and left side of the field, Russia’s counterattacks will be shut down and Son and Lee will set up counterattacks for Korea.
• Use Lee Keun-Ho in at least during last fifteen minutes of the game. Russia tends to lose focus on later of second half and because of that Russia was forced to concede goals against opponents on later half. Lee Keun-Ho has tools to mess around with exhausted Russian defenders with his explosive speed. He will make enough spaces for Park Chu Young and Son Heung-Min to attack the goal post at the end.

Key’s for Russia

• Take an advantage of Korea’s defense. Although Korean defense is not necessarily bad with experienced European League players starting, Korea was forced to concede goals because of errors in their defensive coordination. Kokorin can easily penetrate South Korea’s defense and score a goal if he knows that South Korea’s defense is inconsistent.
• Watch out for Son Heung-Min. His fast pace and talented footwork will threaten Russia’s plan. In order to avoid that Russia must dominate the midfield as soon as possible. When Russia’s defense will be too much for Son, Russia can easily look to counter against Korea.
• Mark down Park Chu Young. If Russia cuts off passes from Son or Ki to Park, Korea’s offense is ultimately finished and Russia’s defense will have an easy time dealing with Taeguk Warriors.

Key Battles

• Kim Young-Gwon vs Aleksandr Kokorin- Along with Hong Jeong-Ho, Kim Yong-Gwon will be the another key to hold back Russia’s counterattacks. As Hong Myung-Bo saw him grow up as a player during his youth career, Hong will assign him to keep down Kokorin from taking goal opportunities. Kim is also Lippi’s favorite in his club as he significantly contributed to the championship for his club Guangzhou Evergrande. But Kokorin will definitely challenge him as he can attack from the left, behind a striker, or even as the main guy.
• Son Heung-Min vs Sergei Ignashevich- Ignashevich boasts the experience of playing at the back for Russia as he capped almost 100 national games. But, quick pace of Son Heung-Min will question his role. Son has recorded 12 goals and 7 assists in this season at Bayern Leverkusen, proving himself that he is not easy to get marked down. Ignashevich’s patience and leadership in the midfield will be questioned as he sees how energetic and athletic Son is. In order to tie up Son, he needs protecting from other young back-line players to step up.
• Ki Seung-Yeung vs Yuri Zhirkov- Zhirkov is the midfielder who has been a key for the team during the stages of qualification and it is his job to play his best in order to have his team advance to the next round. However, Zhirkov is in similar situation as Ignashevich where he is an aged player. And his speed will be challenged by speedy Ki Seung-Yong. Ki Seung-Yong’s versatility in the midfield and speed to cause problems for Russia’s defense and midfield will challenge Zhirkov.

"Staff’s predictionYoung: 2-0 Russia- Kerzhakov’s clinical striking is enough to punish Korea’s shoddy defense.Drew: 2-1 Russia- Russia will be defensively solid and that defense will be very hard for Korea to break down. They also have a ton of quality going forward in the counter attack and with Korea’s questionable defense, it’ll burn them.Charles: 2-1 Korea- I am going to go against what Young and Drew said. Yes, Korea’s defense is quite questionable and I can see Kokorin scoring because of Korea’s defense. But Korea cannot be ignored because their speed and midfielders are above Russia. Russia’s defense gets weaker on the later of second half and Son or Lee Chung-Yong can easily exploit that hole and score against Russia."