South Korea target win over struggling Nigeria

South Korea play winless Nigeria in their final Group B match today in the knowledge that a win would seal their berth in the last 16 stage.

The South Koreans, bidding to reach the second round for only the second time in eight World Cups, kicked off their group campaign with a 2-0 win over Greece, but then crashed 4-1 to Argentina to stand second in Group B.

Nigeria staggered from an opening 1-0 defeat to the Argentinians to a crucial 2-1 loss at the hands of the Greeks. So, for the Koreans, it all hinges on their final group game against Nigeria, a fact not lost on coach Huh Jung-Moo.

"The Nigeria game is now extremely important and it will decide if we reach the round of 16," Huh said.

Remarkably for a side that has lost its two opening games, the Super Eagles could still also qualify if it were to rack up a good win over South Korea and Argentina beat Greece.

Nigeria's defeat against the Greeks continued a miserable run for the Super Eagles in which they have gone seven games without a win at World Cup finals since their last victory in France 1998.

Nigeria will include household names such as captain Nwankwo Kanu as well as Everton pair Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Yobo, the latter having a key role in closing down the dangerous Korean wingers.

Key to match

• Park Ji-Sung vs Joseph Yobo.

The duel between the two captains could be crucial to the outcome of the match. Park has cut his teeth at Man. United and provides a play-making focus for the Asian team, while Yobo is the key player for the Super Eagles in defence.