adminCUIABA. — Out-of-sorts South Korea face a Russia side desperate to prove a point at the World Cup soccer finals in Cuiaba today.
The match kicks-off at 12midnight. The Korean’s fortunes have nose-dived since the heady days of 2002 when they turned the formbook on its head by becoming the first Asian side to make it through to the semi-finals.
But before reaching their eighth consecutive World Cup, they struggled in qualifying, squeaking home only on goal difference. They also lost World Cup warm-ups to Tunisia, 1-0, and more worryingly a 4-0 drubbing by Ghana last week.
Coach Hong Myung-Bo is fretting over his Taeguk Warriors’ fate in Brazil, aware that defensive frailties will make the going tough for them in a Group H also containing favourites Belgium and Algeria.
Hong (45) gained iconic status in Seoul after his side-footed penalty took Guus Hiddink’s side into the 2002 World Cup last four.
He insists that rather than regressing, the Korean team has made progress in the last 12 years.
“The fact is that the quality of football in South Korea has developed a lot since 2002,” he declared.
The Koreans arrived in Cuiaba on Sunday, 24 hours before Russia.
And before a training session at a local university, defender Lee Yong took time out to forecast what lay in store for him and his colleagues.
“It’s true the Russian team are quite technical and strong. Maybe the Russians are physically stronger than Asian sides like us but we are well prepared for this game, we’re focussed,” he said. — AFP.
Online Reporter