Match Previews

Already out of contention after suffering back-to-back narrow defeats. Unlikely to stop eight-game winless run at World Cups. Six players missing the tournament through injuries. J.-h. Park also sidelined. S.-y. Ki ruled out after last game.

South Korea were simply second-best when facing Mexico in their second match in Russia and despite offering better attacking threat compared to their first match and actually scoring their first goal in four matches the Koreans lost 1:2. Son’s strike didn’t come until stoppage-time and technically Korea lost the game long before the end.

South Korea suffered six defeats and managed just two draws in their last eight matches at World Cups.

Coach Shin is likely to consider some changes to his line-up and experienced Koo is strong candidate for the left wing. He has been playing in the Bundesliga for the past four years.

Captain Ki finished the Mexico game on one leg after sustaining an ankle injury late in the match and he is unavailable. Experienced Koo might replace him, despite the fact that he is more comfortable on the left wing.

Korea also have major problems at left-back after the regular in that role got injured before the tournament, he is one of six squad members that are not in Russia due to long-term issues, while his replacement Park got sidelined in the first game against Sweden and is not going to return.

South Korea lost six of their last eight matches, this including the friendlies before the start of the tournament, and their only win from February onwards was 2:0 success vs. Honduras.