Read a full match preview of the World Cup 2010 Group B game between South Korea and Greece at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth on Saturday June 12 2010, kick-off 12.30 BST.

Group B
South Korea v Greece
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick-off: Sat June 12, 12.30pm BST.
TV: ITV1 12pm, ITV HD 12pm

South Korea have recorded only one World Cup finals win on foreign soil, a 2-1 victory over Togo in 2006.

Lee Dong-guk, the South Korean striker, was expected to miss at least the opening game, against Greece, but has made a speedy recovery from a thigh injury and could play a part in the game.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel will have to reshuffle his defence following a leg injury to central defender Vangelis Moras. He is likely to bring in Vassilis Torosidis.

Touchline duel

Hung Jung-moo v Otto Rehhagel: After what Guus Hiddink took the Koreans to the semi-finals, albeit on home soil, eight years ago, they have struggled to find a suitable replacement.

Following a string of foreign coaches the appointment of Hung was not a popular one with fans and media considering his previous record as South Korea coach.

But he succeeded in qualifying and he comes up against a hugely experienced and respected coach, though Reehagel is experience the finals for the first time, having coached more than 1,000 games in the Bundesliga.

Talking tactics

South Korea are likely to go for a traditional 4-4-2, with Manchester United’s Park Ji-sung, the captain, holding a key midfield role.

Greece will be braver with a three-pronged attack in which former Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras will operate wide while hoping that Fanis Gekas can add to his impressive total of 20 goals in 47 games.

Key clash

Park Ji-sung v Giorgos Karagounis: The Manchester United player enjoyed a good campaign even though he ended up without any trophies, so he will be keen to see South Korea improve on their last showing.

In Karagounis, he may find a solid opponent, one who has the experience of playing in Italy and Portugal as well as his native Greece.

What they say

Hung Jung-moo: “If height were the main factor, we would have to have all basketball players.We are fully prepared. There is a risk, but we have our strong points.”

Otto Rehhagel: “The Asian teams are very disciplined and I told my team this morning 'If you think for a fraction of a second that you can afford not to pay attention, you will be badly punished.”

Teams

South Korea (4-4-2): Lee Woon-jae; Cha Du-ri, Oh Beom-seok, Cho Yong-hyung, Lee Jung-soo; Kim Jung-woo, Ki Sung-yong, Park Ji-sung, Lee Chung-yong; Park Chu-yong, Lee Dong-guk.
Greece (4-3-3): Tzorvas; Vyntra, Kyrgiakos, Torosidis, Spyropoulos; Tziolis, Karagounis, Katsouranis; Samaras, Salpingidis, Gekas
Referee: Michael Hester (New Zealand)

Previous meetings

P2: South Korea 1, Draws 1, Greece 0

2006 (Riyadh, friendly): Greece 1 South Korea 1
2007 (London, friendly): Greece 0 South Korea 1

Fact: Greece coach Otto Rehhagel will become the oldest ever World Cup coach at 71 years and 300 days. The previous elder statesman was Cesare Maldini, who led Paraguay in 2002 169 days younger that Rehhagel.

Prediction: Greece will be smashing plates all the way back to Athens if they win; in three previous games they lost all three. Not this time, though. A draw.