HANOVER:

South Korea will have to conjure up more of their 2002 magic to pull a last 16 place out of the hat with victory over Switzerland in their Group G crunch match here on Friday.

A comeback 2-1 win over Togo and a much-acclaimed 1-1 draw with 1998 world champions France could be to no avail because of Switzerland’s marginally better goal difference which gives them the luxury of just needing a point from the final group fixture.

If the Koreans lose to the powerful, clockwork-like Swiss and France beat trouble-plagued Togo by two clear goals, the surprise 2002 semi-finalists will go out. But a win will see them top the group such are the muddling permutations.

South Korea, who humbled European powerhouses Portugal, Italy and Spain during their glory run four years ago, could still qualify in second place if they draw with Switzerland but the players are refusing to dream that Togo can achieve a result against the fading but still flair-filled French. Other final-day scenarios could result in the drawing of lots to determine whether France or South Korea progress to the second round but neither side want to rely on lady luck for their World Cup survival.

The first ever encounter between the two countries may develop into a battle of wits between South Korea’s coach Dick Advocaat and his opposite number Kobi Kuhn, who have been hailed as tactical genuises for their match-altering substitutions. — AFP

Ukraine v Tunisia

HAMBURG:

Defence and concentration are the chief concerns of the coaches from both Ukraine and Tunisia as they count down to their decisive group matchup on Friday that will determine who advances to the second round of the World Cup.

Both sides have shown a leaky defence and both could use more focus. Ukraine coach Oleh Blokhin is looking to restore some humility to his team following its 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia on Monday. His side was similarly beaten 4-0 by Spain only five days earlier. The World Cup newcomers simply need to draw with the Africans to lock up runner-up position in the group behind Spain, which is already through. Tunisia must beat Ukraine to have a chance of qualifying.

“The victory against Spain was important because it renewed our confidence, especially with the margin being so large. But we need to re-establish our emotional balance,” Blokhin said. “And it will be harder to motivate the players this time because we won so easily.” Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre said Tunisia had “suffered enormously” in Monday’s 3-1 loss to Spain, but had taken great heart from its performance.

Lemerre now needs to coax a full 90 minutes out of his players. His team led both of its previous games, but allowed late goals in each. — AP