Belgium face Korea Republic in the final group fixture of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 6:00am (AEST).
Having already qualified for the Round of 16, Belgium will field a slightly different line up against Korea this morning in order to rest some players and try others against quality opposition.
Korea currently sit last of Group H, and will look to exploit a new Belgium back-line with quick counter-attacking football. To qualify, Korea must win convincingly against Belgium, and hope that Russia defeat Algeria by a narrow margin.
A draw in the other match may also be sufficient for Korea, but they will have to defeat Belgium by 3 goals or more to progress.
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has stated that Manchester City’s Kompany and Arsenal’s Vermaelen are both out with minor injuries, and replacing them will most likely be Vertonghen and Lombaerts.
Whilst Belgium have already qualified, they head into the knock-out stage in unimpressive fashion; struggling during the group stage to win in the polished manner that many predicted they would.
Players such as Hazard, Lukaka and Fellaini have struggled to leave their mark on the competition thus far, and therefore the final Group match will be one where Belgium attempts to win back their doubters with impressive, attractive football.
Whoever shows up, we are certain of one thing; this match will be of a high tempo and South Korea will attack. This may open the game up for plenty of goals in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter to decide Korea’s fate.
South Korea entered the competition as somewhat of an enigma, with several big name players heading their attack, but coming into the competition without the results that could strike fear into the bigger teams. Nevertheless, they’ve shown they can play football, though have also shown their defence needs work.
For South Korea, attacking comes naturally, but as they attack, they’ll need to keep the back door secure. Young-Gwon is a highly regarded defender, and will need to keep tabs on Lukaka for the full 90 minutes – a task which he is more than capable of fulfilling.
In attack Heung-Min and Ja-Cheol must be at their best for Korea to get the goals they need to progress. Heung-Min has been lethal for Leverkusen this season, and his change of pace may just get the better of Belgium’s inexperienced back-line.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Thanks for tuning in to the Final group match of the World Cup. Algeria and Belgium form the last two teams to complete the Round of 16 opponents, who will face off against Group G's Germany and USA respectively.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
And that's the match. 3 wins from 3 for Belgium, though their campaign thus far has been less than convincing. Korea didn't deserve to progress from tonights performance. Belgium 1-0 South Korea Full Time’
Jackson
Guest
Iran probably best of Asian teams? They had a softer group. Could be a contender at Asia cup.....
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Algeria finish strongly in other match to qualify above Russia. 1-1 draw ensures they're progression. Korea with good chance as player injured goes off for Belgium. The Europeans are down to 9 men for the last minute here. Belgium 1-0 South Korea 90+3’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Player down for Belgium. 4 minutes of added time - Korea look for a consolation goal as they bow out of the tournament earlier then they would've hoped. Belgium 1-0 South Korea 90+3’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Corner for Korea, and Keunho gets onto the cross at the front post, but Courtios is well positioned to get the ball to safety. Belgium 1-0 South Korea 90+1’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Hazard causing grief on the right wing, and swings in a cross which the goalkeeper manages to get a finger tip to. Korea attack, and a good ball into the area is left for Lee-Yong, but the man behind him was not on his wave length. Good chance Korea. Belgium 1-0 South Korea 89’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Calls for a inexperienced back-line for Belgium were premature. The defence has been first class tonight, and are the sole reason that the scoreline is 1-0, despite having a man sent off in the first half Belgium 1-0 South Korea 88’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Goalkeeper Coutious goes long and finds opposite number for Korea. Korean keeper then clears, and ball out of play for Hazard to come on for Miralles. Belgium 1-0 South Korea 86’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Origi still causing a threat up front. His pace and strength for a young attacker is surely a sigh of relief for Belgium supporters who have failed to find much positives in their teams Group Stage efforts, apart from progression, of course. Belgium 1-0 South Korea 84’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
That's everyone bowing out at the group stage. If Costa Rica can do it, you'd think AFC would have a chance.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Ball worked down the right flank and finds it's way into the middle where Ja-Cheol was waiting. He found some space on the edge of the box but his shot was still blocked. Belgium 1-0 South Korea 82’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Belgium struggling to put passes together. Korea have stopped whatever momentum they may have collected, but still struggle to threaten the goal despite the majority of possession. Belgium 1-0 South Korea 80’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Korea regather and continue to attack. Kuon-Ho runs onto a through ball, but his shot had too much elevation and soared well over the bar from close range. Belgium 1-0 South Korea 78’
Jackson
Guest
Afc is a bit of a joke this time
James Anderson
Roar Guru
South Korea now have no chance of coming back, with a 4-1 victory the only way to get the points needed. The right fullback surged forward and after his first shot was deflected away, he ran onto it to connect for an easy finish. Belgium 1-0 South Korea 76’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Not much room for Korea in midfield this half. Belgium have tightened up and are playing on the counter, which suits Origi and Miralles well. GOAL VERTONGHEN! Belgium 1-0 South Korea 76’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Vanden Borre has been a standout today. Classy right fullback with good strength and pace to stop Heung-Min for the majority of the match. Belgium 0-0 South Korea 75’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Substitute Keun-ho showcasing some neat footwork to work his way out of tricky situations. Jeung-Ho was in great position to score, but waited too long to get a shot away in the middle of the box. Belgium 0-0 South Korea 74’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Korea look tired. Lose possession cheaply again and Origi breaks down the left wing. Chance ultimately results in a shot that flashes horribly wide. Belgium 0-0 South Korea 72’