Soccer: It's all or nothing for co-hosts Korea

INCHEON - South Korea will throw everything at Portugal tonight as they seek to avoid becoming the first World Cup hosts not to reach the second round.

While co-hosts Japan can go through with a draw against Tunisia or even a one-goal defeat, South Korea need a draw against group favourites Portugal in their group D game to ensure they do the same.

The United States and Korea are on four points, Portugal three and Poland none, and with no chance of progressing.

Coach Guus Hiddink has honed a fast, attacking brand of football that has won South Korea respect, but in Portugal he sees one of the world's top teams recovering from a shaky start.

"The Portuguese team regained their power after the first shock in the first game in which they were sleeping," Hiddink said, referring to Portugal's 3-2 defeat by the United States.

"They are very dangerous. It's very obvious we have to stop their powerful attack."

Portugal were Europe's most prolific team in qualifying, scoring 33 goals in 10 matches.

Still, Hiddink said the South Koreans would not settle for playing a defensive game. "We adapt ... but we also try to take the initiative," he said, promising "a controlled attack, not blind attack".

The one mistake South Korea will not make is to become obsessed with Portugal's key players like Luis Figo and Rui Costa.

"We cannot mark world class players with two or three players," he said. "[But] we will defend [against] them. We have players who can do so."

South Korea's back line is anchored by captain Hong Myung-bo, a steely veteran in his fourth and probably last cup.

Up front, Ahn Jung-hwan is likely to be used more after coming on as a substitute to score the 78th-minute equaliser that salvaged a 1-1 draw against the United States.

Speedy left winger Lee Young-pyo is back from a leg injury and could also figure in Hiddink's plans for more substitutes to keep fresh legs on the pitch.

Portugal, after the shock US defeat, crushed Poland 4-0 with a hat-trick from striker Pauleta.

Coach Antonio Oliveira is likely to stick to the same tight formation, rather than the open team which left space for the US to score three goals in 36 first-half minutes.

Oliveira used Joao Pinto to probe the Poland defence then brought playmaker Rui Costa on later.

In Taejon, the US are within sight of the second round and will kick themselves if they fail to reach it in their final group D match against Poland tonight.

A point will be enough for a place in the last 16. They could also edge through if they lose, depending on the outcome in Incheon.

Poland have been one of the biggest disappointments of the tournament, conceding six goals and scoring none against the Koreans and the Portuguese.

But US coach Bruce Arena is expecting a tough encounter, with the Americans again likely to have the crowd on their backs.

"The pressure's off them now. We need to play this game without any outside distractions. The objective is to get at least one point to qualify.

"I can't imagine we'll have a favourable crowd," Arena said. "The Korean spectators will be cheering for Poland."

The US are likely to field a similar side to the one that held the Koreans, with their penalty-saving hero from that match, Brad Friedel, between the posts again.

- REUTERS

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