PORT ELIZABETH: Semi finalist of 2002 World Cup, Korea Republic registered their first victory in FIFA World Cup 2010 as they beat Greece by 2-0 in the first match of Group B.
Korea Republic Captain Park Ji-Sung celebrating after scoring goal against Greece. Courtesy: REUTERS
Greece looked off-colour as Korean Republic players took control of the match at very early stage. Poor defence from Greek players also helped Koreans to score goals. Lee S. J scored the opening goal for Korea Republic in seventh minute of the first half mainly due to poor defence by Greece players. Korea played really well in the first half as they didn’t allow Greek players to re-group after first goal.
Greece also failed to score in the second half as they played better but failed to capitalize the opportunities. Korea Republic captain Park Ji-Sung showed that why he has been rated very highly by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United when he scored a brilliant goal in seventh minute of the second half and 52nd minute of the match. Greece again failed to score in the World Cup finals as they went goal-less in 2002 World Cup as well.
Greece had their chances in the second half especially between 60 to 80 minutes when Korea Republic players were complacent and showed signs of tiredness but solid defence restricted Greece to score any goal. This was Korea Republic’s second overseas win in World Cup finals and they have a very promising start to their 2010 World Cup campaign.
Greece has a daunting task to make into next round as they need to beat Nigeria and Argentina in their remaining group matches. Korea Republic will face Argentina in their next match on June 17 at Johannesburg whereas Greece will meet Nigeria on June 17 at Bloemfontein.
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