South Korea - Saudi Arabia
Already Planning Ahead
While it may not please rivals in the group, one of the benefits you get from early qualification is chance to use your remaining games as bonus preparation matches.
South Korea are already looking ahead to South Africa 2010 and the team that faces Saudi Arabia on Wednesday will likely be different to the one that won 2-0 in UAE on Saturday.
It will still be a fairly strong side and will be roared on by a big and happy crowd at Seoul World Cup Stadium. The hosts will play with a freedom that could be dangerous for the visitors.
A Point At Least
Saudi Arabia look in good condition, however. Two come-from-behind wins over Iran and UAE have put automatic qualification in their own hands. Four points from their final two games will be enough.
With South Korea already qualified, the Saudis, who have a recent good record against their hosts – their 2-0 defeat in Riyadh in November not withstanding – will fancy their chances a little more.
In August 2005, the two teams met in Seoul with both already through to Germany, and it was Saudi Arabia who ended their campaign on a winning note.
TEAM NEWS
South Korea
The Taeguk Warriors have injuries and suspensions to deal with. Lee Young-pyo and Kim Jung-woo are suffering from the latter, while Kim Chi-woo has a hernia.
It is likely that some players will be rested and some tested. Young strikers Yoo Byung-soo and Yang Dong-hyun are expected to make their debuts in attack while Cho Won-hee of Wigan comes in for the suspended Kim. Kim Young-kwang should start in goal ahead of Lee Woon-jae and Kim Chang-su looks set to replace Oh Beom-seok.
Saudi Arabia
Compared to earlier rounds, it is a strong squad that the Saudis bring to Seoul. Malek Maaz is still injured by strike partner Yasser Al-Qahtani returns to the national team.
KEY PLAYERS
South Korea – Cho Won-hee
Many feel that Cho deserves a starting place in his own right and with Kim suspended, this is his time to really show he can do it. His energy and determination could cause problems for the Saudis as they look to attack.
Saudi Arabia – Yasser Al Qahtani
It is time for 'the Sniper' to deliver. He has not been in the best of form of late, nor been in favour with coach Jose Peseiro. That will all be forgotten with a goal or two in Seoul.
PREDICTION
South Korea’s players are either tired or new but most of all, it is hard to maintain the same level of concentration when you have qualified. Saudi Arabia’s greater need to win will make the difference.
goal.com
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While it may not please rivals in the group, one of the benefits you get from early qualification is chance to use your remaining games as bonus preparation matches.
South Korea are already looking ahead to South Africa 2010 and the team that faces Saudi Arabia on Wednesday will likely be different to the one that won 2-0 in UAE on Saturday.
It will still be a fairly strong side and will be roared on by a big and happy crowd at Seoul World Cup Stadium. The hosts will play with a freedom that could be dangerous for the visitors.
A Point At Least
Saudi Arabia look in good condition, however. Two come-from-behind wins over Iran and UAE have put automatic qualification in their own hands. Four points from their final two games will be enough.
With South Korea already qualified, the Saudis, who have a recent good record against their hosts – their 2-0 defeat in Riyadh in November not withstanding – will fancy their chances a little more.
In August 2005, the two teams met in Seoul with both already through to Germany, and it was Saudi Arabia who ended their campaign on a winning note.
TEAM NEWS
South Korea
The Taeguk Warriors have injuries and suspensions to deal with. Lee Young-pyo and Kim Jung-woo are suffering from the latter, while Kim Chi-woo has a hernia.
It is likely that some players will be rested and some tested. Young strikers Yoo Byung-soo and Yang Dong-hyun are expected to make their debuts in attack while Cho Won-hee of Wigan comes in for the suspended Kim. Kim Young-kwang should start in goal ahead of Lee Woon-jae and Kim Chang-su looks set to replace Oh Beom-seok.
Saudi Arabia
Compared to earlier rounds, it is a strong squad that the Saudis bring to Seoul. Malek Maaz is still injured by strike partner Yasser Al-Qahtani returns to the national team.
KEY PLAYERS
South Korea – Cho Won-hee
Many feel that Cho deserves a starting place in his own right and with Kim suspended, this is his time to really show he can do it. His energy and determination could cause problems for the Saudis as they look to attack.
Saudi Arabia – Yasser Al Qahtani
It is time for 'the Sniper' to deliver. He has not been in the best of form of late, nor been in favour with coach Jose Peseiro. That will all be forgotten with a goal or two in Seoul.
PREDICTION
South Korea’s players are either tired or new but most of all, it is hard to maintain the same level of concentration when you have qualified. Saudi Arabia’s greater need to win will make the difference.
goal.com
Affiliate Programs - We're Listed At WhichAffiliate.com
posted by Midnight Sun @ 16:58,
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