Saturday, June 12, 2010

Impressive Korean down Greek


Korea Republic 2-0 Greece
Goals~ Kor: Lee Jung-Soo'7, Park Ji-Sung'52

MATCH SUMMARY

# Man of the Match: Park Chu-Young - Park caused plenty of problems for Greece playing as the lone striker for South Korea. He may have wasted a gilt-edged opportunity when heading over from Cha Du-Ri's pinpoint cross, but Greece can only wish to have a player of such influence in their forward line.
Note: Official MOM - Park Ji-Sung (Korea Republic)

# South Korea verdict: Many pundits' tip to be the surprise package in South Africa, an accomplished and stylish display will enhance their credentials and make them firm favourites to advance from the group alongside Argentina. A physically fit and adventurous team, they have progressed immeasurably from the side which reached the semi-finals in 2002 on the back of a wave of public support.

# Greece verdict: Greece under Otto Rehhagel had a proud reputation as being a strong, resolute side that is strong and organised at the back. Without that, they are nothing, as proved by this abject display. The team looked bereft of ideas, lacked organisation and had no idea in the final third of the pitch. Scoring a goal in this World Cup could prove to be a minor miracle for Greece.

# Could do better: Angelos Charisteas and Giorgos Karagounis were crucial players when Greece won Euro 2004, but now they look every day of their 30 and 33 years respectively. Ineffectual and off the pace, both players were substituted, Karagouonis at half-time and Charisteas on the hour, and Rehhagel may have to think again ahead of the next game against Nigeria.

# Stat attack: Excluding Euro 2004, which they won, Greece have lost ten of their last 12 games at international tournaments, scoring only twice and conceding 23 goals.

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