South Korea closing in on last 16

SOUTH KOREA coach Huh Jung-moo is confident his side can reach the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time on foreign soil.

The Taegeuk Warriors take on pointless Nigeria today in Durban in a crucial Group B showdown.

South Korea are second in Group B alongside Greece on three points and know that victory over Nigeria would secure a place in the next round provided Greece fail to beat group leaders Argentina in the other pool game.

“We are going to keep an eye on the other match,” said Jung-moo. “But the important thing is for us to play a good game and get a good result.

“Our players up until now have been preparing for the round of 16. We are almost there.”

South Korea began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Greece, but lost 4-1 to a rampant Argentina on Thursday. Jung-moo believes his side have not been affected by that heavy loss.

“We left behind us the game against Argentina and our only focus is on beating Nigeria.

“My players are confident and are ready to play this important game. I believe in my players and I think we can do a good job.

“I have looked at the Nigeria matches,” he said. “They have a great coach in Lars Lagerback and they have a very strong team.”

Jung-moo has not ruled out making tactical alterations for the game against Nigeria.

“We have a different strategy for each match,” he said.

Meanwhile South African police have stepped up security surounding the Nigerian team after midfielder Sani Kaita received over 1,000 death threats.

Kaita is banned for today’s match after being sent off in Nigeria’s match against Greece for kicking out at Greece’s Vasilis Torosidis.

“Kaita has so far received more than 1,000 threats to his email from within Nigeria,” said the team spokesman, Peterside Idah, yesterday.

If Lars Lagerback’s side beat South Korea and Argentina beat Greece, then Nigeria, South Korea and Greece will all be tied on three points and the all-important runners-up spot will be decided on goal difference, or, if that turns out to be equal, goals scored.