World Cup Preview - Group G - South Korea

South Korea

Coach: Dutch gaffer Dick Advocaat.

Game Schedule:
June 13 – South Korea vs. Togo (9 a.m. EST)
June 18 – South Korea vs. France (3 p.m.)
June 23 – South Korea vs. Switzerland (3 p.m.)

Prospects: South Korea are World Cup perennials at this point. They finished second in their Asian qualifying group to Saudi Arabia – hardly a confident finish – to edge into this summer’s tournament. This may not bode well for their prospects this summer, but France and Switzerland should not take the Koreans for granted. Dick Advocaat’s side is well-drilled and organized but is suffering from an injury plague. Star striker Lee Dong-Gook has already been ruled out and ManYoo midfielder Park Ji-Sung may also miss some matches. If they can get Park back in time and avoid too many injuries and suspensions, they’ll push the European sides in the group hard for a second round passage.

Key Player: Park Ji-Sung - if he makes it back from injury, he’ll provide a much needed creative spark on the left side.

Who Will Get the Goals: Without Lee around, the Korean side will have to rely on their attacking midfielders for goals.

Who Will Get the Cards: Midfielder destroyer Kim Nam-Il who paradoxically plays for a side called “The Bluewings.” Go figure.

Funniest Name: “Bluewing” defender Song Chong-gug

Prediction: It’ll be a tight thing, but I have Korea edging the Swiss in the final group match and then going out in a blaze of glory in the Quarterfinals to Brazil.