Korea Republic could play the dark horse role in a tricky Group B according to Al Dannity.
How they got here
Korea Republic, or South Korea, has been the model of consistency in Asia and continued that trend with qualification for its seventh straight, and eighth overall, World Cup. They progressed through the first group stage undefeated, including drawing twice with fellow 2010 World Cup qualifiers North Korea. The second and final group phase also saw Korea Republic go undefeated. A four wins and four draws record was far from dominant but was sufficient to top the group. Crucially they beat North Korea 1-0 in Seoul to claim bragging rights in the rivalry.
Huh Jung-Moo?s charges have played 12 games, and have four more scheduled before the World Cup. A similar approach to preparation served this team well in 2002 when they went all the way to the semi-finals.
Who to watch
Manchester United?s Park Ji-Sung is the star of the Korean line-up and he, along with the rest of a small but vital contingent playing in Europe, is the reason Korea Republic has opted to play many of it?s warm-up games in Austria, Spain, and England. Park is not the only English Premier League player to watch out for, Bolton?s Lee Chung-Yong plays a key role as a winger for Korea Republic and at 21 is ready for a breakout tournament in South Africa.
Striker Park Chu-Yong will be out to redeem himself after a poor showing in Germany in 2006. The Monaco star has attracted plenty of interest including from Fulham in the EPL. It?s also worth keeping an eye on Ki Sung-Yong of Celtic, despite showing plenty of potential the young midfielder hasn?t seen much playing time this season and that may prove costly in South Africa.
How they will perform
Despite being outsiders, this is a group of players that have prepared for this tournament about as well as any team can. A heavy schedule in the run-up to the World Cup means the squad will have gelled well by the time the competition gets underway in June. This has in the past helped Korea overcome the lack of talent in depth available. That said the schedule could be nicer.
The group opener with Greece will be crucial, a win here and Korea Republic could lose against Argentina, a likely outcome, and still control its own destiny depending on how other results go. A draw wouldn?t be a catastrophe but defeat certainly would. I see Korea Republic missing out but if they still have a chance at progressing going into the final group game it is certainly worth looking at the World Cup odds. Nigeria has a stronger squad than Korea but I expect the Super Eagles to need a win in this game and such a scenario could set up a potential upset.
For the best in sports betting options as the World Cup nears check out Sports Interaction?s online sports book.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How they got here
Korea Republic, or South Korea, has been the model of consistency in Asia and continued that trend with qualification for its seventh straight, and eighth overall, World Cup. They progressed through the first group stage undefeated, including drawing twice with fellow 2010 World Cup qualifiers North Korea. The second and final group phase also saw Korea Republic go undefeated. A four wins and four draws record was far from dominant but was sufficient to top the group. Crucially they beat North Korea 1-0 in Seoul to claim bragging rights in the rivalry.
Huh Jung-Moo?s charges have played 12 games, and have four more scheduled before the World Cup. A similar approach to preparation served this team well in 2002 when they went all the way to the semi-finals.
Who to watch
Manchester United?s Park Ji-Sung is the star of the Korean line-up and he, along with the rest of a small but vital contingent playing in Europe, is the reason Korea Republic has opted to play many of it?s warm-up games in Austria, Spain, and England. Park is not the only English Premier League player to watch out for, Bolton?s Lee Chung-Yong plays a key role as a winger for Korea Republic and at 21 is ready for a breakout tournament in South Africa.
Striker Park Chu-Yong will be out to redeem himself after a poor showing in Germany in 2006. The Monaco star has attracted plenty of interest including from Fulham in the EPL. It?s also worth keeping an eye on Ki Sung-Yong of Celtic, despite showing plenty of potential the young midfielder hasn?t seen much playing time this season and that may prove costly in South Africa.
How they will perform
Despite being outsiders, this is a group of players that have prepared for this tournament about as well as any team can. A heavy schedule in the run-up to the World Cup means the squad will have gelled well by the time the competition gets underway in June. This has in the past helped Korea overcome the lack of talent in depth available. That said the schedule could be nicer.
The group opener with Greece will be crucial, a win here and Korea Republic could lose against Argentina, a likely outcome, and still control its own destiny depending on how other results go. A draw wouldn?t be a catastrophe but defeat certainly would. I see Korea Republic missing out but if they still have a chance at progressing going into the final group game it is certainly worth looking at the World Cup odds. Nigeria has a stronger squad than Korea but I expect the Super Eagles to need a win in this game and such a scenario could set up a potential upset.
For the best in sports betting options as the World Cup nears check out Sports Interaction?s online sports book.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
