South Korea play winless Nigeria in their final Group B match here on Tuesday in the knowledge that a win would seal their berth in the last 16 stage of the World Cup.
The South Koreans, bidding to reach the second round for only the second time in eight World Cups, kicked off their group campaign here with a 2-0 win over Greece, but then crashed 1-4 to Argentina to stand second in Group B.
Nigeria staggered from an opening 0-1 defeat to the Argentinians to a crucial 1-2 loss at the hands of the Greeks, who meet table-topping Argentina in their final group match, also on Tuesday.
So for the Koreans, it all hinges on their final group game against Nigeria, a fact not lost on coach Huh Jung-Moo. “The Nigeria game is now extremely important and it will decide if we reach the round of 16,” Huh said. Gwangju Phoenix central midfielder Kim Jung-Woo added: “We must win to get to the second round. Some people are talking about a draw being enough, but we want to win.”
Remarkably for a side that has lost its two opening games, the Super Eagles could still also qualify in their first ever World Cup match against an Asian team — if it were to rack up a good win over South Korea and Argentina beat Greece.
Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback said: “The positive thing is that we still have a chance of qualifying, although we need a helping hand from Argentina. We need a fresh start, and we’ll do that by beating Korea Republic.” Nigerian federation president Sani Lulu Abdullahi tried to rally the team, saying: “I call on all Nigerians to continue to back the team.”
South Korea, who are unbeaten against Nigeria — winning twice and drawing once, will be captained and led from the front by Manchester United’s Park Ji-Sung. — AFP