International Friendly Preview: South Korea - Serbia

The East Asians face the boys from the Balkans in London...

Nov 17, 2009 8:33:57 AM

More On :  Serbia, South Korea, Serbia vs South Korea
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Friendly, Craven Cottage, London, UK, Wednesday November 18, kick off 1530 CET

Another Valuable European Test

For South Korea, the match at Craven Cottage will rekindle memories of a 1-0 win over then-European champions Greece in February 2007.

The location of the stadium, near to London’s ‘Koreatown’ should ensure that the Asians have the backing of the crowd.
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Huh Jung-moo's men comfortably qualified for their seventh consecutive World Cup, and eighth overall. They are now unbeaten in 27 matches and looking to extend that run in the English capital.

Last weekend brought a creditable, if slightly boring, goalless draw in Denmark, coming off the back of comfortable wins against Australia, Paraguay and Senegal. It is now time to add a European team to that list.

Serbia Looking To Get Into Gear

After defeating Northern Ireland 1-0 last weekend, Serbia are looking to test themselves against a fellow 2010 World Cup qualifier.

Radomir Antic, Head-Coach of the Serbian National Team said, “The fact that both of our teams are participants of the next World Cup gives a new, extremely important dimension. All of the top players will be coming to London so both teams will have a real obligation to play their best game.”

The visitors weren’t at their best in Belfast but won thanks to a Danko Lazkovic strike. Northern Ireland enjoyed the better chances in the game and much of the play but lacked that killer instinct.

For the White Eagles it was not the kind of performance that will serve them well at the World Cup, and was indeed a world apart from the excellent showings they proved themselves capable of during qualification. Nonetheless a clean sheet and a win away from home are not unacceptable outcomes.

Now they are in London against a focused and confident South Korea team that should provide a very different kind of test. 


Team News

Serbia

Manchester United star defender Nemanja Vidic is set to start as he regains his match fitness following a calf injury. He played 45 minutes against Northern Ireland.

South Korea

Park Ji-sung came on a second half substitute against Denmark and is likely to do the same against Serbia at a stadium where he usually performs well.

Monaco striker Park Chu-young is injured and five domestic players – goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryeong, defender Kwak Tae-hwi and midfielders Kim Jung-woo, Kim Chi-woo and Ki Sung-yong have returned home to play in the K-League’s end of season championship play-off series.


Key Player

Serbia

Nemanja Vidic The defender is still returning to match fitness after his lay-off and will be tested by a quick and mobile Korean team.

Korea

Lee Keun-ho The striker has struggled to score of late and needs to remind boss Huh Jung-moo of what he can do.

Prediction

South Korea have been weakened by injury and withdrawals but will be satisfied with a 1-1 draw
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