FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Korea Vs Nigeria Preview
All 4 group B teams are theoretically capable of reaching the round of 16.
Nigeria and South Korea are both looking for a win in their forthcoming match on Tuesday after losing their respective previous matches, to Greece and Argentina.
In 3 past meetings, South Korea have beaten Nigeria twice, with the third match ending in a draw.
However, the Asian team had a demoralizing loss to Argentina, conceding 3 goals in the second half, after being level with one goal each, at half-time.
That said, Nigeria are not a patch on Argentina, and South Korea will be comfortable in the knowledge that a draw would suffice to take them to the next round, provided Greece don't beat Argentina.
Nigeria can theoretically qualify for the round of 16, if they beat South Korea and Greece lose to Argentina.
The nature of their loss to Greece will hurt Nigeria for a long time to come, as they were leading 1-0, when Sani Kaita committed a needless foul and was sent off by the referee.
Nigeria's only hope is to beat the Koreans and that should lend hem wings.
For Korea, Manchester United's Park Ji Sung will not ever fail for want of effort.
He has a happy knack for being at the centre of the action, and has scored in all the three World Cups he has taken part in.
Nigeria will rely on Everton's striker Yakubu to give them the goal they need but Yakubu will have to play better than he has done in Nigeria's first two matches, if the side wants to qualify.
Equipped with an organized defence combined with a speedy attack, that is especially dangerous in counter moves, South Korea's manager Huh Jung-Moo is likely to opt for an unchanged eleven from the previous match against Argentina.
For Nigeria, Yussuf Ayila is likely to provide protection to the backs in midfield, while Afolabi will come into the side in place of Taiwo who was injured in the match against Greece.
Nigeria need a win, if they want a shot at reaching the next round.
Lars Lagerback might opt for Martins on the right flank, inspired by Messi's success against Korea.
South Korea's discipline in defence will come in handy especially against a Nigeria anxious for a win, and the Koreans' opportunism will help them score in a counter with vulnerable gaps in the Nigerian defence opening up when they concentrate on attacking.
The teams are evenly matched and an exciting match is in the offing.
Nigeria and South Korea are both looking for a win in their forthcoming match on Tuesday after losing their respective previous matches, to Greece and Argentina.
In 3 past meetings, South Korea have beaten Nigeria twice, with the third match ending in a draw.
However, the Asian team had a demoralizing loss to Argentina, conceding 3 goals in the second half, after being level with one goal each, at half-time.
That said, Nigeria are not a patch on Argentina, and South Korea will be comfortable in the knowledge that a draw would suffice to take them to the next round, provided Greece don't beat Argentina.
Nigeria can theoretically qualify for the round of 16, if they beat South Korea and Greece lose to Argentina.
The nature of their loss to Greece will hurt Nigeria for a long time to come, as they were leading 1-0, when Sani Kaita committed a needless foul and was sent off by the referee.
Nigeria's only hope is to beat the Koreans and that should lend hem wings.
For Korea, Manchester United's Park Ji Sung will not ever fail for want of effort.
He has a happy knack for being at the centre of the action, and has scored in all the three World Cups he has taken part in.
Nigeria will rely on Everton's striker Yakubu to give them the goal they need but Yakubu will have to play better than he has done in Nigeria's first two matches, if the side wants to qualify.
Equipped with an organized defence combined with a speedy attack, that is especially dangerous in counter moves, South Korea's manager Huh Jung-Moo is likely to opt for an unchanged eleven from the previous match against Argentina.
For Nigeria, Yussuf Ayila is likely to provide protection to the backs in midfield, while Afolabi will come into the side in place of Taiwo who was injured in the match against Greece.
Nigeria need a win, if they want a shot at reaching the next round.
Lars Lagerback might opt for Martins on the right flank, inspired by Messi's success against Korea.
South Korea's discipline in defence will come in handy especially against a Nigeria anxious for a win, and the Koreans' opportunism will help them score in a counter with vulnerable gaps in the Nigerian defence opening up when they concentrate on attacking.
The teams are evenly matched and an exciting match is in the offing.
