What: Argentina vs. Korea Republic, Group B, Match 3
When: Thursday, June 17, 7 am ET
Where: Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
TV: ESPN, Univisión
In 1986, Argentina and Diego Maradona faced off against South Korea and Huh Jung-Moo. Huh was assigned to keep Maradona from working his magic using any means possible, but the Argentine phenom withstood all sorts of crunching tackles as he led Argentina to a 3-1 victory en route to a World Cup trophy. Now, 24 years later, Maradona and Huh face off again, except this time they do so as their nations’ managers and, they are vying for three points that would practically ensure one team’s appearance in the Round of 16.
Argentina
In their first match, La Albiceleste were unable to capitalize on a few clear chances against Nigeria and had to settle for a 1-0 win.
“We have to improve many things to reach the seventh match,” Maradona said after the game.
WATCH: ARGENTINA VS. NIGERIA RECAP
One of those things to improve is clearly the defense. Nigeria didn’t attack until the final minutes, but when they did, they gave Argentina reason to worry. Because South Korea will push forward right from the get-go, Maradona would do well to opt for a true back four, replacing Jonás Gutiérrez with Nicolás Burdisso to give La Albiceleste a defensive boost.
But everyone knows that its Argentina’s offense that will win the game for them. Midfielder Sebastián Verón has been ruled out with an injury, but Maxi Rodríguez, the man who scored an incredible goal against Mexico in Germany 2006 to send Argentina into the quarterfinals, will take his spot.
South Korea
The Taeguk Warriors surprised everyone by putting on an offensive display of speed and sharp passes to down a usually defensively stout Greece 2-0 in the group opener. Already confident coming into South Africa, the win against the Greeks only raised their confidence level even more.
WATCH: SOUTH KOREA VS. GREECE RECAP
"The team spirit is in upswing from the victory in the first match,” said captain Park Ji-Sung. “We believe we can produce good results [against Argentina] if we play at the top of our game.”
South Korea will employ a more defensive formation to keep Argentina’s largest threat, Lionel Messi, at bay and hope to hurt La Albiceleste on the counter attack.
Key Players
Argentina: Carlos Tévez. If South Korea’s strategy works, Argentina will have to find another way to get the offense going. Tévez doesn’t mind playing deeper if need be, so he may have to drop back to help his team go forward.
South Korea: Jung Sung-Ryong. The goalkeeper’s put on a strong performance against Greece, and he will have to put on a similar display against Argentina’s powerful attack if South Korea are to pull off a result.
Final Analysis
South Korea will give Argentina some problems, but it’s difficult to imagine that they can hold off Messi & Co. The South Americans will likely bag three points and become top dogs of Group B.
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