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South Korea and Greece are in the World Cup as dark horses.
However, both teams have enjoyed fairy tale runs in big tournaments with the
South Koreans, posting an impressive performance in the 2002 World Cup, getting
as far as the semi-final, and Greece seemingly coming from nowhere to win Euro
2004.

These two teams will tomorrow clash at The Nelson Mandela Bay
Stadium, in one of tomorrow’s games in Group B, and will be aiming to convince
the world that they are not one-tournament wonders.

Group B is regarded as one of the toughest groups to call due to
the diversity of the teams; all with their own merits, hence pundits believe
this match needs to be keenly watched.

Height versus pace

Greece will look to use their height advantage and set-piece
superiority when they take to the field tomorrow, while the Koreans will rely
more on their pace.

Playing a crunch match in a tough group that also includes a
Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina and the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the Greeks and
Koreans know that nothing less than a win will do if they are to achieve their
goal of qualifying for the knock-out phase of the June 11-July 11 tournament.

“Obviously our advantages are our height, free-kicks and
corners,” said Greece midfielder, Alexandros Tziolis.

“We must take advantage of that,” he said, adding: “South Korea
are very fast, they press a lot, and are a good tactical side.”

But Tziolis said that neither Greece nor the South Koreans held
a real advantage going into the crunch tie.

“No team has the advantage as such. It’s the opening game for
both sides and the South Koreans have the same goals as us – to win.”

Greece qualified for the tournament via the playoffs, beating
the Ukraine to secure their place in South Africa, whereas South Korea, who are
quickly becoming an established World Cup fixture with seven previous
appearances, eased through their qualification campaign, though admittedly the
Asian qualification route was somewhat less demanding than European opposition
Greece faced.

Head to head

No previous meeting between both teams at senior level

Previous Appearances at the World Cup South Korea: 7 Greece: 1