South Korea head into the clash against Kuwait knowing that three points will just about secure a place in the knock-out stages of the tournament and Kuwait need a result to keep their slim hopes of progressing alive. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6.00pm (AEDT).
The Korean’s were expected to walk through the group stage and while they are still on track to progress, coach Uli Stielike will be looking for a vastly improved performance from his side after they limped past Oman 1-nil, in their opening match on Saturday in Canberra.
Stielike’s side struggled to find their rhythm against Oman and were lucky to escape with three points in the end. The German, who replaced South Korean legend Hong Myung-bo after the Tegeuk Warriors failed to win a game at the World Cup, has only had six months with his squad and has said he was happy with the win over Oman, suggesting he prefers a hard, tough match opening game to learn from mistakes and get better.
And with talent such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Son Heung-min, captain and midfield dynamo Ki Sung-yeung, and Cho Young-cheol who scored the winner against Oman, you expect South Korea will get the three points on offer against the Al-Azraq.
In their favour, is their record against the opponents from the Gulf.
Kuwait haven’t beaten the Taegeuk Warriors and Tuesday night in Canberra will be the perfect time to change that, for if they lose, they can forget about the knock-out stages of the tournament.
After scoring the first goal of the tournament on Friday night, the Kuwaitis were over-run by a relentless Australian side in Melbourne. Nabil Maaloul said later the Australian’s deserved the win and you’d be hard pressed to find a punter to disagree.
The Kuwaitis started well but the superior fitness and desire of the Socceroos eventually saw them overrun the Al-Azraq. Maaloul conceded that his side just wasn’t up to the physical or tactical skills shown by the host nation.
The opening day loss is just the start of Maaloul’s concerns heading into the game against the Koreans. Goalscorer Talal Al Fadhel and Khaled Al Qahtani are both under injury clouds, while questions remain about the fitness of key strikers Bader Al Mutawa and Yousef Naser.
All this adds up to a fairly simple equation for Maaloul’s team – win and keep the dreams of progressing deep into the tournament alive, anything less than three points against the wily South Korean’s and they can wave goodbye to securing a place in the knock-out rounds.
Both sides have plenty riding on this one and will be pushing for a result so get involved and join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6.00pm (AEDT).
jamesb
Guest
Had a bet for this game to be over 1.5 goals. Oh well, betting is a mugs game. Kuwait are gone.
billyelliott
Roar Guru
And that's it from Canberra. South Korea all but through to the quarter finals after beating Kuwait. They did it tough but they did it, they have six points. Australia's turn now. Still not convinced about this South Korean side, they had a few chances to bury Al-Azreg but didn't take them. Kuwait tried and tried but couldn't breach the Taegeuk Warriors resolute defence ... just lacking some substance in the middle of the park. Mishaan looked good in a losing side. Final score South Korea 1 Kuwait 0
billyelliott
Roar Guru
90+3' Youssef down low to save the shot from Young-cheol. Say what you like about Ned Zelic but he was spot on there - "things can open up when you're patient in attack" KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
90+1' Desperate defending by Korea. They seem determined to do it the hard way. Kuwait deserve something from this game .. anything! KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
90' Three minutes of time to be added on in Canberra. Three minutes for Kuwait to keep the dream alive. KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
89' Mishaan couldn't get the ball to down quick enough. It was a nice build-up creating some space in the right channel for the ball over but it was a little too high for Mishaan and he couldn't control it before he was swamped by South Korean defenders. He's been good tonight Mishaan. KUW 0 1 KOR
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Just me or did one anyone else hear the crowd chanting "Ode to Joy"? Whats that about haha?
billyelliott
Roar Guru
87' Hyun-soo leaves nothing to chance. putting his foot through that ball. Kuwait have a corner but they are unable to create anything. Korea shutting them down so effectively. KUW 0 1 KOR
Freycinet1803
Roar Rookie
Can we read much into the scoreline, in regards to comparison to Australia's display?
billyelliott
Roar Guru
85' Tackles flying in from both sides as another Korean attack breaks down. The Kuwaiti one on one defending has been much better tonight. South Korea trying to slow the game down now, as is their right ... they've got what they need. Kuwait must remain disciplined. Final change for Korea. Nam Tae-hee replaced by Han Kook-Young. KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
83' Another great save by Youssef. This time the shot came from the deep by way of Park Joo-ho. And the Kuwaiti's get a relieving free kick. KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
82' Lee Jung-hyup makes some space for a shot but couldn't wrap his big legs behind the ball to generate the requisite power and it's a simple save for Hameed Youssef. KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
80' Mishaan again creating the space and Al Mutawa just lingering too long on the ball and he is shut down. Inside the final ten minutes ... can Korea hold on ... can Kuwait get back into this? KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
78' Crucial save by Seung-gyu. Kuwait found some space on the right hand side and it was a nice ball in and a cheeky back heel nearly found the Korean's wanting but Seung-gyu was awake to the danger. Kuwait huffing and puffing but lacking substance. KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
76' Changes coming thick and fast for both sides. Final change for Kuwait. Youssef Nasser replaced by Faisal Al Enezi Korea make their first change also KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
74' Header from Keun-ho ... just wide. Great ball from Nam Tae-he and it's only just outside the post. Change for Kuwait. Al Buraiki replaced by Zaid. KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
72' Wonderful challenge by Neda, but Korea have a corner and it fails to beat the first man. Gets back to Nam Tae-he but his second chance is given too much elevation and Al-Azreg come away with it. KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
70' Cha du-ri picks up a yellow card for a sliding studs up challenge that hit his opponent flush in the chest. Awadh will have some nice little studs marks to remember this match by. #Ouch. Awadh still getting treatment and players taking the opportunity to take in some fluids. KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
67' The pendulum seems to have swung back in favour or the Taegeuk Warriors. Youssef forced to save a stinging shot, it took him two goes but he eventually reeled the ball in. End-to-end at break neck speed this half. KUW 0 1 KOR
billyelliott
Roar Guru
66' Nam Tae-he wins a free kick for Korea ... might be a little too far out for a shot. But they try it anyway, Young-gwon tries to bend it wide but it's high, wide and not at all beautiful. KUW 0 1 KOR