South Korea had a victory stolen from under them in Cuiaba as Kerzhakov’s goal gave their opponent a much needed equalizer. They will now face Algeria who suffered a 2-1 loss against Belgium in their first game. Midfielder Ha Dae-sung will not start for the Koreans as he has sustained ligament damage in his left foot while Algeria have no injury concerns and will look to overpower the 2002 semi-finalists for a possible spot in the knockout rounds of the tournament. Algeria performed well against the Belgians as they kept their opponent quiet for 70 minutes and could not hold any longer. Their present opponent is not likely to pose any such danger.
Players to look out for:
The 21-year old Son Heung Min, Bayer Leverkusen’s striker will play a crucial role in front of the goal for his country against a decent defensive line-up. Lee Keun Ho, the goal scorer against Russia will hope to do the same against the North African opponents. Lee Chong-Young is another player who can change the fate of the game. Forward Soudani will play an important role in his team’s chances with Sevilla midfielder Feghouli who scored his team’s only goal against Belgium.
Teams head-to-head:
The two teams have never faced each other. This will be their very first meeting.
Probable line-ups:
South Korea (4-2-3-1): Jung Sung Ryong (GK) : Lee Yong, Hong Jeong Ho, Kim Young Gwon, Yun Suk Young: Han Kook Young, Ki Sung Yeung: Son Heung Min, Koo Ja Cheol, Lee Chung Yong: Lee Keun-Ho
Algeria (4-3-2-1): Zemmamouche: Mandi, Cadamuro, Bougherra, Ghoulam: Taider, Bentaleb, Lacen: Feghouli, Soudani: Silmani.
Prediction:
The two teams, more or less, are at par with each other. This will be an evenly fought fixture. South Korea, though, have more young talents who can win them the game.
Final Score Prediction: Algeria 1 – 1 South Korea.
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