Peace Cup 2009

Peace Cup Preview: Sevilla – Seongnam

Group A action continues in the 2009 Peace Cup as Spanish side Sevilla take on Korean outfit Seongnam...

Jul 26, 2009 10:30:23 AM

Zanetti, Kone, Chiellini, Sevilla-Juventus, Peace Cup (Marca)

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Zanetti, Kone, Chiellini, Sevilla-Juventus, Peace Cup (Marca)

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Kick-off: Friday, July 26 2009, 20:30 CET

Sevilla, Arriba, Comiendo Palomitas!

Making it back to the Champions League and in decent position to make a legitimate run at La Liga this season, Sevilla look as if they are back to the form and prestige of the high-flying side that won so many trophies under Juande Ramos.

Having made some critical signings over the summer, such as Ivory Coast international Didier Zokora from Tottenham Hotspur, Sevilla have retooled their squad after losing key contributors Dani Alves, Seydou Keita and Christian Poulsen. The Spanish outfit now have high aspirations for the forthcoming season and would love to bag the prestigious Peace Cup trophy in the pre-season to give themselves a head of steam for when the real competitions get underway.

This time the Cup takes place in Spain, after three editions in Korea, giving Sevilla the psychological edge over their opponents. However, despite dominating parts of their opening match against Italian side Juventus, Sevilla were punished and lost to the Italians by a 2-1 scoreline; Juventus’dogged defending and efficiency in front of goal was typified by Amauri and Iaquinta, who's goals lead them to victory.

The Andalusians will hope for a better performance on Sunday against Korean side Seongnam.

In Song Seongnam

Facing Sevilla is Korean outfit Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma who, unlike their Spanish counterparts, are in the middle of their season and may be slightly fitter than their opponents.

The most successful club in Korean K-League history, Seongnam have won a record seven K-League titles and, considering the Peace Cup was held on Korean competition soil for the past 3 years, Seongnam would love to bring the title back home with them. Sunday’s match against Sevilla will be their first of the competition.

The Koreans’ key player is Korean International Kim Jung-Woo who, after an unsuccessful trial with Wigan Athletic of the English Premier League, now captains the Korean team.

PRE-SEASON FORM GUIDE

Sevilla

Jul 24 Sevilla 1-2 Juventus (Peace Cup)

Jul 19 Conil 0-1 Sevilla (Friendly)

Jul 18 UD Rotena 0-7 Sevilla (Friendly)

Seongnam

Despite their historic successes, the 2009 season has been less kind to Seongnam. The squad’s form has picked up a bit recently, but the pressure is on to close the gap with League leaders Gwangju, who enjoy an an eleven point lead. However, just two points off sixth and the final play-off spot, Seongnam still have hope of turning their season around.

TEAM NEWS

Sevilla

Manolo Jimenez is likely to field a similar squad to the one that faced Juventus in the first Peace Cup match - save Frederic Kanoute and Luis Fabiano, both of whom have yet to attain match fitness. In fact, it is entirely possible that both players will skip the early phases of this tournament altogether.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Palop – Adriano, Squillaci, Escude, Fernando Navarro; Jesus Navas, Duscher, Zokora, Capel; Kone, Chevanton

Seongnam

The Korean side is in the middle of its season and should be in much better form than their Spanish counterparts. It is expected that many of Seongnam’s star players will start the match against Sevilla including Korean International Lee-Ho, towering Australian-born defender Saso Ognenovski and Seongnam top scorer Cho Dong-Keon.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Jung Sung-Ryong – Ko Jae-Seong, Seo Seok-Won, Saša Ognenovski, Cho Byung-Kuk; Mauricio Molina, Lee Ho, Kim Jung-Woo, Fabricio Souza; Cho Dong-Keon, Kim Jin-Yong.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sevilla

Didier Zokora has already looked like one in a long line of promising signings pulled off by Sevilla. The Ivory Coast international will be out to repay Sevilla’s faith in him, after the club spent a great deal of time and effort negotiating his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.

Seongnam

Top scorer this season in domestic competition with 5 goals to his name, Cho Dong-Keon leads the Seongnam attack. The 23-year-old has been looking to squeeze into Korea’s World Cup squad for next summer and a good showing in the Peace cup could do great things to bolster his chances.

PREDICTION

This match could prove more difficult for Sevilla than it looks on paper. Seongnam are in mid-season form while Sevilla are still very much finding their feet. Nonetheless, the quality of the Spanish side should win through and the Andalusians should progress in the competition.

Sevilla 2-1 Seongnam

Cyrus C. Malek, Goal.com

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