Soccer: South Korea to attack resurgent Portugal

INCHON, South Korea - South Korea will throw everything they have at Portugal tomorrow as they seek to avoid becoming the first soccer 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 to ensure they do the same.

Coach Guus Hiddink has honed a fast, attacking brand of football that has won South Korea new 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 told reporters, referring to Portugal's 3-2 defeat by the United States.

"They are very dangerous," he said.

"Its 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 World 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 US

"I'm demanding a high pace and he's capable," Hiddink said. "He can play 45 minutes or maybe, if necessary, a little bit longer on a high level."

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.

"Some players because of little injuries cannot play full time so I have to keep some fresh players on the bench to go in in the second half," Hiddink said.

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

In their first finals in 16 years, the Portuguese hope Figo and other veterans from a team that won the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship can repeat the feat at the World Cup.

"It's an extremely important game for our careers, and in our lives as footballers," left back Rui Jorge said of the match against South Korea.

"If we should win this game, we will reach a very high point. We all hope to reach it, so we naturally feel good because we can achieve something we have wanted for years and years."

Coach Antonio Oliveira is likely to stick to the same tight formation he used against Poland, rather than the open team which left space for the United States 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. Right back Nuno Frechaut, doubtful after spraining an ankle, could be replaced by Abel Xavier who has recovered from a torn thigh muscle.

Probable teams:

Portugal (4-2-3-1): 1-Vitor Baia; 18-Nuno Frechaut, 2-Jorge Costa, 5-Fernando Couto, 23-Rui Jorge; 20-Armando Petit, 17-Paulo Bento; 11-Sergio Conceicao, 8-Joao Pinto, 7-Luis Figo; 9-Pauleta.

South Korea (3-5-2): 1-Lee Woon-jae; 4-Choi Jin-cheul, 20-Hong Myung-bo, 7-Kim Tae-young; 22-Song Chong-gug, 5-Kim Nam-il, 6-Yoo Sang-chul, 21-Park Ji-sung, 13-Lee Eul-yong; 18-Hwang Sun-hong, 9-Seol Ki-hyeon

Match referee: Angel Sanchez (Argentina)

- REUTERS

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