Preview: Korea vs Algeria

Both Korea and Algeria have no choice now; either win it or go home. Well, Korea is in better situation since they drew against Russia 1-1 while Algeria has it worse as Fennec Foxes lost to Belgium 1-2. For Korea, they have to win this game if they want to go to the 16^th round. Same goes for Fennec Foxes but it will be tough for them.

Taeguk Warriors shocked the world by playing defensively strong against Russia. Even though Russia’s one top, Kokorin tried hard to break down the defense, Kim Yong Gwon (DF) and Jung Sung Ryong (GK) saved Korea from conceding more goals. Korea’s manager, Hong Myung Bo’s use of Lee Keun Ho as one top for late second half proved to be successful as he was able to penetrate the Russian defense and score from outside of the perimeter. But Korea’s glory was short lived as Kerzhakov who came in after Lee Keun Ho’s goal scored the equalizer of the game after nine minutes. Korea could have won this game but lack of stamina hurt them in the end. In order for Korea to perform better, their stamina has to improve.

Although using Lee Keun Ho as super sub was very successful, Korea needs to think more about who to put for their one top. Their one top, Park Chu Young helped defend Korea against Russia but he didn’t really help at the offensive line. Hong always made an excuse saying that Park is the only player who knows Hong’s strategy very well. But, no excuses, Hong! Hong still has plenty of attackers such as Kim Shin Wook, who will be a threat to Algerian defense with his height (6ft 5 in) and athleticism. He may have not an experience playing in EPL or other fancy leagues, guess what? He was voted MVP for K-League last year and was the second most scorer of the league. What did Park Chu Young do? Warming Arsenal’s benches (clap clap)…

But with many of their key players already receiving yellow cards, Taeguk Warriors must make sure they don’t commit provocative fouls. With Son Heung Min, Ki Seung Yong, and Koo Ja Cheol already getting a yellow card in previous game, Korea needs to be careful for next game against Algeria. If they don’t, it will be a tough game against Belgium.

Although Algeria lost to Belgium 1-2, Algeria still proved that they don’t easily go down the hill. Even though Belgium won at the end, it was a very hard game for them as Algerian defense frustrated Lukaku during the first half. Also, it was Algeria who scored the first goal of the game as Feghouili made the penalty kick easily. It was only when during the late second half, Belgium found Algeria losing focus, and had Fellaini score during the set piece and Hazard during the full out counterattack.

Yes, Algeria has zero points at Group H but that doesn’t mean that Korea will coast through this game. Algeria boasts more athleticism comparing to Russia and has Slimani and Feghouili who are sharp shooters for the team. These players are more aggressive comparing to Russians and they will love to challenge Korea’s defense. Fennec Foxes are boosted with many young players who are émigré players who have rich experience in playing in European leagues.

But one thing both teams really have to careful is that they have Wilmar Roldan as their referee. Wilmar Roldan created a controversy in this World Cup by ruling 2 goals offside during Mexico vs Cameroon. Those two goals should have been given to Mexico but for some reason, Roldan cancelled 2/3 goals. Both team must be careful about offside and make sure he doesn’t create controversial decisions. What a woe for Korea and Algeria as they get this third class referee to ruin this game. Nobody likes this dude anyway so I hope he gets fired forever.

It will be very interesting to see if Korea can hold Algeria’s back and find the back of the net or if Algeria will finally record its first win in this World Cup. Here is our preview:

Projected Starting XI’s

• Korea: Jung Sung Ryong; Hong Jeong Ho, Kim Yong Gwon, Lee Yong, Park Chu Ho; Ki Seung Yong, Yoon Suk Young; Lee Chung Yong, Son Heung Min, Koo Ja Cheol; Kim Shin Wook.
• Algeria: Mbolhi; Bougherra, Ghoulam, Halliche, Mostefa; Feghouli, Medjani, Bentaleb, Taider; Mahrez, Soudani.

Keys for Korea

• Use Kim Shin Wook for this starting game. Park Chu Young didn’t do anything as an attacker and it will hurt Korea if they keep using him. Using Kim Shin Wook will be helpful as he can be used very critically during set pieces for header. Also, his recent stats had been very decent as he was the MVP for K- League during the past season. He also scored over 57 goals during his four seasons in Ulsan Hyundai. Kim Shin Wook should not be taken lightly at all! At least he did something that Park Chu Young struggled during past few seasons.

• Use Son Heung Min and Lee Chung Yong to counterattack. They had been very useful as they attacked from the right and left side of the midfield. Algeria’s midfield will be completely helpless if these two players are used wisely.

• Improve the stamina of the team. Korea conceded an equalizer against Russia because players were too tired. Make sure that everyone’s able to balance out their energy during setbacks and counterattacks. Algeria’s Feghouli and Slimani are tireless and more aggressive than Kokorin so lack of stamina will kill Korea at the end.

Keys for Algeria

• Wait until last 15 minutes of the game. Yes, Korea presses hard against their opponents but they don’t have enough stamina to keep up their game. If Park Ji Sung was still playing, that would be a different story but level of stamina had significantly dropped in Korea. Use Slimani to exploit that moment as he has a great ball touch.

• Improve on the attack. Algeria has only conceded four goals during past world Cup matches, so their defense is not the main issue. But they failed to score from the run of the play but instead on penalty. Will Feghouili break that chain or will they be plagued by it?

• Try to fend off Korea’s midfield. Korea has Son Heung Min who has been recognized for his ability to score in Bundesliga during past three seasons. They also have Lee Chung Yong and Ki Seung Yong who are excellent in passing. Ki and Lee will create many opportunities for Son and Lee Keun Ho to score for Algeria. If Algeria doesn’t press them early on, Algeria is finished.

Staff Predictions

• Drew: 1-1. Korea and Algeria both lack a finished product when going forward, but both work very hard when off the ball in their defensive third. They’ll struggle to break each other down consistently enough, but this World Cup is full of goals so I fancy both of them to at least nip one a piece on the counter. Despite their lack of major creativity, they have a good amount of pace and directness that will open up a few chances.

• Young: 2-0 Korea. Korea will opt less conservative tactics in this match and fire all cylinders in this one. Assuming Hong Jeong Ho and Kim Young Gwon doesn’t get hurt, Korea will hold off Algeria’s counterattack pretty well.

• Charles: 2-0 Korea. Hong’s plan is to now release the fire from Korea during counterattacks. Korea has Son Heung Min, Lee Chung Yong, and Ki Seung Yong who will spearhead the counterattack. Son Heung Min had several times when he could have sunk Russia easily. They have plenty of players who can score and Korea will have Son Heung Min and Koo Ja Cheol to score against Algeria.