STYLE
Spain: Coach Jose Antonio Camacho adhers to the traditional 4-4-2 formation. Spain plays an offensive game driven by a crop of creative and attacking mid-fielders, while a pair of strikers rely on service and ball distribution from the mid-field. Spain fields a quartet of defenders at the back with one of the centre mid-fielders dropping back and playing almost as a libero (attacking sweeper). The other centre mid-fielder serves as the playmaker.
South Korea: Korea plays with a 3-5-2 formation, but considering its weakness at the back, coach Guus Hiddink will likely change to a more traditional 4-4-2 line up with a flat-back four. South Korea uses its bottomless reserve of energy to play a pacy game. The Koreans use short passes and quick foot speed in midfield to wear down their opponents.
DEFENCE
Spain: Despite the presence of the ever-dependable Fernando Hierro it was a few a holes. Though the team is scoring, they are conceding goals as well. Spain have conceded five goals. Defence lay exposed against Ireland in the previous match where Spain scrape past in the penalty shootouts.
South Korea: Other than veteran Hong Myung-Bo, South Korea don’t a big name in defence. But quite unexpectedly the defence have done exceptionally well in the group stages and against the Italians in particular. But Kim Tae-young’s nose injury will be a worry of concern.
MID-FIELD
Spain: Spain have a number of creative medios, each with a unique set of skills. Gaizka Mendieta is an accomplished playmaker, Ivan Helguera is a hardworking ball-winner and Luis Enrique is poacher with ball sense.
South Korea: Defensive midfielder Kim Nam-il has twisted his ankle and that is bad news for the Korean mid-field. Anyway, Hiddink has to dig deep in his resources to organise the mid-field. Park Ji-Sung, who has a goal against his name, Yoo Sang-chul and Lee Young-pyo complete the line-up.
ATTACK
Spain: With Raul Gonzalez not fully fit, the attack will lack vigour. But Spain have other options as well. Valeron will be promoted upfront to work in tandem with Morientes. Diego Tristan and Fernando Morientes are all potent strikers with a track record of scoring big goals.
South Korea: According to the form book, Korean attackers cannot be ignored. Dangerous and speedy. Ahn Jung-hwan, in particular will be the man to watch. His golden goal against Italy will definitely force Camacho to man-mark his movement.