South Korea were proud of their efforts in their World Cup opener stalemate with Uruguay but will need to find a much-needed clinical edge when they face Ghana in a game on Monday where both teams will be desperate for a win.
Playing in their 11th World Cup, South Korea opened their campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Uruguay in a spirited performance.
However, despite creating chances in attack, the ability to finish chances was lacking as the Asian side did not shoot on target.
South Korea tend to over-rely on attacking midfielder and captain Son Heung-min, who is slowly adapting from recent facial surgery and barely made an impact in the tournament opener.
Head coach Paulo Bento was pleased with the aggression shown by the team against the experienced Uruguayans and expects to see the same in their next games against Ghana on Monday and Portugal four days later.
The Koreans moved level with Uruguay on one point in Group H, which is led by Portugal after beating Ghana 3-2.
For Monday’s game at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Bento will be sweating on the fitness of defender Kim Min-Jae, who has struggled after picking up a knock in the first game.
UNDER PRESSURE
Ghana, the first African team to score at the global showcase event in Qatar, were disappointed to lose at the first hurdle but were able to take confidence from their performance against Portugal in the second half
Ghana reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup but are at risk of being knocked out in the first round if they lose to South Korea.
After a miserable showing at this year’s Cup of Nations where they were dumped out at the group stage with just one point, Ghana will be hoping for a brighter performance in Qatar.
“We have to win now and we’re under pressure, but then so are they,” Ghana coach Otto Addo said of South Korea.
Captain Andre Ayew believes in his team, saying they always come out of difficult situations.
“We need to keep calm, relax and increase our productivity. We need to try to score more and concede less,” said the 32-year-old player.
