Argentina vs South Korea - Prediction

Argentina
v
South Korea




Group B, 11:30 GMT, June 17, 2010
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa


Johannesburg's Soccer City is the setting for the summit meeting of the joint leaders of Group B. 
Diego Maradona's Argentina dazzled in bursts when defeating Nigeria 1-0 in their opening fixture while South Korea top the group on goal difference thanks to a 2-0 victory over Greece. A win for either side on Thursday, coupled with a draw in the later kick-off between Greece and Nigeria, will ensure qualification for the second round.

Team Stat Comparison

	Argentina	South Korea
Matches Played	1	1
Table Position	2	1
Points	3	3
Goal Difference	1	2
Goals for *	1.0	0.0
Goals against *	0.0	0.0
Last 5	W	W
Last 5 home	W	W
Last 5 away
*  Goals per match - home matches for home club and away matches for away club
Stats: Argentina | South Korea

Competition Stats

	Argentina	South Korea
Goals	Gabriel Heinze 1	Park Ji-Sung 1
Assists
Yellows	Jonás Gutiérrez 1
Squads: Argentina | South Korea

Group Table

RK	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GS	GA	GD	Pts
1	South Korea	1	1	0	0	2	0	2	3
2	Argentina	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	3
3	Nigeria	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1	0
4	Greece	1	0	0	1	0	2	-2	0

Top two teams qualify for the Second Round

Argentina player to watch: Lionel Messi. It is hardly an original choice, but Messi was electric in spells against Greece and was desperately unlucky not to get a goal. The Barcelona star is often said to perform at a superior level for his club than his country, but appears ready to put that particular accusation to bed. Expect fireworks.

South Korea player to watch: Park Chu-Young. The Monaco forward was a sprightly presence against Greece and has a sizeable reputation to uphold. As one of South Korea's leading players, much is expected of the 24-year-old and he could cause a suspect Argentina backline some problems.

Key battle: Gonzalo Higuain v Jung Sung-Ryong. Higuain saw a succession of chances come and go against Nigeria as he was denied by the inspired Enyeama, and will be looking to make amends on Thursday. He scored 27 goals in 32 league games for Real Madrid last season and Jung will need to be on top form to frustrate him further.

Trivia: Argentina beat South Korea 3-1 in the first round of the 1986 World Cup, with Diego Maradona providing all three assists for his side. South Korea coach Huh Jung-Moo was the man assigned to mark Maradona on the day.

Stats: Only Maradona, with nine, has produced more World Cup assists for Argentina since 1966 than Juan Sebastian Veron, who has claimed five.

Odds: Argentina (1.44), the draw (4.20) and South Korea (8.00) with Bet365. Those odds on a South Korean win look tempting.

Prediction: It all depends on Argentina. Do not expect a rout by any means, as South Korea are a fine side in their own right. It will be tight, and a minor shock could be on the cards.


Argentina 2-1 will be a fair result.