#WorldCupSpecial RUSSIA vs SOUTH-KOREA Winning the opening game doesnt make certain you will qualify from the group, as Russia know only too well. They have beaten Tunisia 2-0 at their previous World Cup appearance in 2002, only to lose to Japan and Belgium and pack their bags early. At Euro 2012, Czech Republic were convincingly thrashed 4-1, but Russia went out after drawing with Poland and infamously succumbing to Greece. Nevertheless, the game against the Koreans is absolutely crucial. The confidence isnt high, given the teams tendency to fall apart when it matters most. With group favourites Belgium awaiting them in the next fixture, Russia must take all three points to feel comfortable. Any other result will put their chances of progressing in jeopardy. A countrys opening group match at a World Cup needs no explanation as to its importance. For Korea, a recent poor run of results has lowered expectations and dented confidence. It is very hard to see the Taeguk Warriors bouncing back from a bad performance against Russia. It does not even have to be victory but just a sign the team means business at the World Cup and is capable of matching some of the best in the world. Russias Kokorin isnt known yet outside of his country, but he is the main striker in Fabio Capellos tactical plan. In fact, he is the only striker. The 23-year-old Dinamo Moscow star is fast and intelligent, possesses a very good first touch and covers a lot of ground. His movements are usually well timed and he will explore the relative inexperience of Korean central defenders to get into scoring positions. The main question is whether Russian midfield will be able to constantly feed him with quality balls in the absence of star playmaker Roman Shirokov who misses the tournament through injury. There are also doubts regarding Kokorins conversion rate in front of goal -- it is improving but still very far from sufficient. It has to be Son Heung-min. Korea need a big performance from a player who should be its biggest star. Fans are used to watching his goals from Germany -- first for Hamburg and then for Bayer Leverkusen -- almost every week on television but have had less Sonsational stuff to cheer in the international arena. Likely to start on the left, it is to be hoped that he receives plenty of the ball and even more space to put Russia in real trouble. Russia are especially vulnerable at the flanks, as right back Andrey Eshchenko clearly lacks international class and left back Dmitry Kombarov is dreadfully out of form. That suits Korea perfectly because their best attacking players are the wingers. Son Heung-min of Bayer Leverkusen is a proven Bundesliga star who has destroyed many defences with his quick feet, sublime ball control and crisp shooting. It is obvious that coach Hong Myung-Bo, a World Cup legend as a player, will order to give him as many balls as possible on the left wing. Norway and Morocco wingers posed Eshchenko a lot of problems in the recent friendlies, so Son can win this game for Korea. South Korea are relieved that Russian captain Shirokov is missing in Brazil through injury, as midfielders with a habit of arriving late in the area have given them some major problems over the years. That still leaves more than a few danger men and none more so than Aleksandr Samedov. The 29-year-old has made the right-wing spot his own under Capello and was extremely impressive in qualification. It is not completely clear who will be in Koreas left-back position but whether it is QPRs Yun Suk-young or Park Joo-ho of Mainz 05, they will be in for a tough afternoon against a speedy and savvy winger. Fayzulin is another lesser known player who is vital for Capello tactically. He is especially important when Russia dont have the ball and usually given instructions to put opponents midfielders under constant pressure. Ki Sung-Yueng, Koreas very own Steven Gerrard with his great range of passing, will thrive if given freedom in midfield. Fayzulins ability to close him down will be of extreme importance for Russia. Verdict: Russia 2-0 South Korea
Posted on: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 15:49:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015