Argentina v South Korea: match preview

Group B

Argentina v South Korea
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: Thur June 17, 12.30pm BST
TV: ITV 12pm, ITV HD 12pm

Two of the better-looking sides from the opening round of matches, both are in a strong position to progress from Group B, after Argentina defeated Nigeria 1-0 with an early header from Gaby Heinze while the Koreans despatched a poor Greek side 2-0 with goals from Lee Jung-soo and Park Ji-sung.

Argentina have been forced to make one change this time with their playmaker Juan Sebastian Veron struggling with a right calf strain; Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez, says coach Diego Maradona, will do “a wonderful job” as a replacement.

Korean manager Huh Jung-Moo has decision whether to stick with the same starting XI or welcome back striker Lee Dong-Guk following his recovery from a thigh injury.

Key clash

How do you stop Lionel Messi? Who would be on the boots of Kim Jung-woo, the defensive midfielder who plays for the Korean army team Gwangju Sangmu and looks likely to be charged with stopping the Barca maestro at source?

Talking tactics

Maradona must have concerns about shoring up his backline, with Newcastle’s Jonas Gutierrez having been so exposed at right back against Nigeria, especially with the Koreans having the energy and pace to expose any disorganisation. Korea could go 4-5-1 if Lee Dong-Guk is fit. Touchline duel: A couple fo old foes re-acquainting themselves here, with


Maradona having played against Huh Jung-Moo in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Maradona would settle for the same 3-1 scoreline too.

What they say

Diego Maradona: “We had a practice game between the first team and the second team and there was hardly any difference between the two. They played at a great level; I was amazed and astonished at how great the guys are, the way they are playing.”
Huh Jung-Moo: “I have to admit back in 1986 when I played, we were very intimidated by Argentina. This is a very different time; we have a lot of experience now and a a lot of good players.”

Teams

Argentina (4-3-3): 22 Romero, 17 Gutiérrez, 2 Demichelis, 13 Samuel, 6 Heinze; 20 Maxi Rodriguez, 14 Mascherano, 7 di María; 10 Messi, 11 Tévez, 9 Higuaín.
South Korea (4-2-3-1): 18 Jung S R, 22 Cha D R, 4 Cho Y H, 14 Lee J-S, 12 Lee Y-P, 16 Ki S-Y, 8 Kim J W; 17 Lee C Y, 7 Park J S (c), 19 Yeom K-H, 10 Park C-Y.
Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).

Previous meetings

Played 2: Argentina 2, Draws 0, South Korea 0

1986 (Mexico City, WC): Argentina 3 South Korea 1
2003 (Seoul, friendly): Argentina 1 South Korea 0

Fact: If Argentina win it will be their 35th victory in the finals. Only Italy, Germany and Brazil have more.

Prediction: The Koreans impressed against Greece but will find Argentina too tough. Another win for Diego Maradona.