Nigeria v South Korea

Group B, 18:30 GMT, June 22, 2010

Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa


After a comfortable 2-0 victory against Greece in their opening game, South Korea were brought back down to earth in dramatic fashion by an emphatic defeat to a ruthless Argentina side. Huh Jung-Moo's players competed well with the South Americans until the third goal was conceded and there was enough to suggest that they can still get through the group with a positive result.


Led by captain Park Ji-Sung, South Korea proved to be an effective outfit against Greece, combining solid defensive organisation with attacking flair through the likes of Lee Chung-Yong Park Chu-Young. The players will be hurting after the Argentina result, but as long as the sound team ethic remains intact, Huh's side should be able to progress.

Nigeria's task is simple. They must beat South Korea and hope that Argentina defeat Greece. If that happens, they will progress to the second round on goal difference, a reward of sorts for keeping the deficit against Argentina down to a single goal, while South Korea capitulated. The Super Eagles have a team full of talented individuals and against both Argentina and Greece showed great promise in the attacking third, though the main problem has been finishing the chances that have been created. Lars Lagerback's side will need to be at their penetrative best to beat South Korea, but will have the support of a continent hoping that Nigeria don't become the second African side to be eliminated.

South Korea player to watch: Yeom Ki-Hun. One of South Korea's most dangerous outlets, Kim has proved to be effective as either a left-winger in a 4-4-2 formation or as the left-sided forward in an attacking trio alongside Park Ji-Sung and Park Chu-Young. A tricky player with bags of pace, he will be asked to test the inexperienced Nigeria right-back Samuel Inkoom.

Nigeria player to watch: Vincent Enyeama. Nigeria's star at the 2010 finals so far, he has been instrumental in keeping the Super Eagles' defeats respectable, with FIFA naming him man of the match for his displays against both Argentina and Greece. A mistake against the Greeks was overshadowed by numerous other saves and he has displayed consistent catching and shot-stopping ability - as a certain Lionel Messi will testify.

Key Battle: Dickson Etuhu v Kim Jung-Woo. With Sani Kaita suspended, there will be more responsibility for Nigeria's tough-tackling defensive midfielder Etuhu. He struggled to do the job of two men after Kaita was sent-off against Greece but his athleticism and physicality was impressive against Argentina and he will be charged with stifling Park Ji-Sung and playmaker Kim. A busy central midfielder with a very effective pressing game, Kim has the ability to pick a telling pass and comparisons with Paul Scholes are heightened because of his tendency to be booked for rash challenges.

Trivia: On the day after giving up four goals to Argentina, South Korea goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong had some good news: his wife giving birth to their new baby boy.

Stats: South Korea has failed to advance from the group stage six times, the third-highest total in World Cup history. The only teams not to advance as often as South Korea are Scotland (8) and Mexico (7).

Odds: Nigeria (3.75), South Korea (2.60), the draw (3.25) are all on offer at Bet365, while Nigeria to lead at half-time but South Korea to win is at 34.00.

Prediction: South Korea were embarrassed by a hugely talented Argentina side, but proved against Greece that they are capable of winning against a side of lesser quality. Nigeria have flattered to deceive so far and it should be the continent of Asia and not Africa that will have a representative advance to the second round.