Tags:
Journalism of Courage
DEFENCE
Germany: Certainly, the best in the tournament. Conceded only one goal and should be able to contain the Koreans. Led by Oliver Kahn under the bar, there is little scope to hoodwink Thomas Linke, Christoph Metzelder and Marko Rehmer.
Korea: Despite the presence of Hong Myung-bo, Hiddink needs to shore up the defence in light of the unpredictable German frontline. Spain showed that it was possible to break the German wall. Goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae was in great form against Spain and should he continue it the Germans can have a difficult time.
MID-FIELD
Germany: Michael Ballack will be the cynosure of all eyes. Besides his role as a playmaker, he also likes to score as well. Remember the match-winner against US. A lot will depend on Ballack and everything depends on his manoeuvring ability. Though Dietmar Hamann is a doubtful starter, the mid-field comprising Ziege, Jeremies, Bernd Schneider and Frings can be quite handful for the Koreans.
Korea: Yoo Sang-chul and Kim Nam-il are the lynchpins in the midfield, who also forms a screen in front of the defence. In doing so, they close down the gap between the backline and the mid-field. Yoo dictates play from his deep position. It will be interesting to watch how far Ballack and Co. is able to create space for them to exploit. If Germany is able to do that, it will be a great tactical win for Voeller over Hiddink.
ATTACK
Germany: The attack somehow lacks the thrust. Miroslav Klose hasn8217;t really shown the kind of form he displayed against lowly Saudi Arabia. Klose hasn8217;t scored in the last two matches. His striking partner, Oliver Neuville, too, needs to rise to the occasion to penetrate the Korean defence.
Korea: Korea8217;s 8216;golden boy8217; Ahn Jung-hwan enjoys a largely free role, frequently pulling out wide to stretch the defence and leaving gaps for attacking midfielders Lee Young-pyo and Park Ji-sung to move in. Though they weren8217;t so successful against Spain in the quarter-final, Ahn still can spring a surprise.
