Preview: Switzerland v South Korea
Switzerland and South Korea meet in Hanover knowing that a win will see them top Group G, yet a loss will probably see them return home.
While both sides currently occupy the top two positions in the group, France will be playing a shambolic Togo side and a win for the 1998 Champions looks likely.
Although we’ve all heard that before.
In order to leave nothing to chance, a win is the only way to avoid going home.
South Korean coach Dick Advocaat knows the importance of setting up the right game plan.
“It is important that we get the tactics right again,” said the former Dutch coach.
“Switzerland are well organised and place many players behind the ball. But whenever they have a chance, they like to attack, whether they play England or Korea. That is their style of play.
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Dick Advocaat tries the personal |
“It’s important for us that we know them well and we’re well prepared for their style. If we play the way we have up to now, gel together as a team, there is a good chance we can get a result.”
Like other teams in their position the Swiss see danger in playing for a draw.
“It’s definitely an advantage for us now that we don’t have to beat South Korea,” said experienced midfielder Hakan Yakin.
“It could also be dangerous though because the Koreans need to win. It’s no good us playing for a draw because we saw during their draw with France how dangerous they can be in the last 10 minutes.”
His thoughts were echoed by striker Alexander Frei.
“We cannot play for a draw,” said the player with 26 international goals to his name.
“We do not have the experience of Germany or Italy (to play for a draw). We have to go out to win the game.”
The youthful nature of the Swiss side has been a large talking point, but coach Koebi Kuhn is confident he has the right pedigree.
“The next task is the match with Korea. Yes, the Koreans have a little more experience than us with many of their squad having played in the last World Cup but most of our young players compete in European leagues which will more than compensate.”
South Korean goalkeeper and captain Lee Woon-Jae will make his 100th appearance for the Taeguk Warriors, while Swiss midfielder Daniel Gygax has been ruled out of the clash with badly bruised stomach muscles.
It’s simple for these sides, to the winner goes the spoils.