Preview: Japan - South Korea

Posted Sunday, May 23, 2010 by Goal.com

Two old rivals set to meet once again...

What: International Friendly

Where: Saitama Stadium, Saitama, Japan

When: Monday 24 May 2010, Kick-off 12.20 CET

Leave On A High?

It is safe to say that this has been a mixed few months for football in Japan. A smooth qualification campaign has been followed by a rocky preparation period. Results in 2010 have been poor and the hosts are keen to head overseas with a healthy win over their bitter rivals.

It would also be payback for a 3-1 home defeat suffered at the hands of Korea in February in Tokyo. For a time, it looked as if that loss may cost coach Takeshi Okada his job.

Honda Could Be The Main Man

This time may be different as both teams can call upon European-based stars. For Japan, this means a return for the talented Keisuke Honda. The CSKA Moscow man has barely started his international career but has already become a key player. Makoto Hasebe of VfL Wolfsburg will also be welcomed back.

A full house of 60,522 is ready for this match in Saitama. If the hosts fall behind early, memories of last month’s 3-0 defeat at home to Serbia will return quickly and the jeers may not be far behind.

On the other hand, this game presents a great opportunity for the Samurai Blue to put their indifferent recent results behind them as they leave for Europe and matches against England and Ivory Coast.

Confident Visitors

South Korea are in something of a different position to their hosts. That Tokyo victory was followed by wins over Ivory Coast and Ecuador. The visitors are feeling good and a good result at the home of their rivals will send them to Austria on Tuesday in high spirits.

Korea Have Already Won In Japan In 2010

There is still much to think about for coach Huh Jung-moo however. Compared to his opposite number, there are a few injury issues to be sorted.

Also different is the fact that Huh has yet to name his final squad, something Okada did some time ago. This is the last chance for the Taeguk Warriors to show what they can do.

Like the hosts. Korea are looking for an injury-free match in a competitive atmosphere.

Recent Form

Japan

Feb 6: Japan 0-0 China (East Asian Champs)
Feb 11: Japan 3–0 Hong Kong (East Asian Champs)
Feb 14: Japan 1-3 South Korea (East Asian Champs)
Mar 3: Japan 2-0 Bahrain(Asian Cup qualifier)
April 7: Japan 0-3 Serbia(Friendly)

South Korea

Feb 7: South Korea 5-0 Hong Kong (East Asian Champs)
Feb 10: China 3-0 South Korea (East Asian Champs)
Feb 14: Japan 1-3 South Korea (East Asian Champs)
Mar 3: Ivory Coast 0-2 South Korea (Friendly)
May 16: South Korea 2-0 Ecuador(Friendly)

Team News

Japan – Have few injury problems. Keiji Tamada should be fit to play if selected after a slight groin strain.

South Korea – Kim Jae-sung, scorer of a fine goal in Tokyo three months ago, is injured as is striker Lee Dong-gook. Park Chu-young could play in attack after recovering from a hamstring injury but a substitute appearance is more likely.

Key Players

Japan

Has to be Keisuke Honda. The offensive midfielder has had a great season in Europe first in the Netherlands and then in the UEFA Champions League with CSKA Moscow. Much rests on the shoulders of the new star of Japanese football.

South Korea

Park Chu-young – Korea need the Monaco marksman to be fit for the World Cup and not only fit, but in form. It is unfortunate that injuries in the second half of the season interrupted the 24 year-old’s development into one of the continent’s best strikers.

Prediction

Japan 1-1 South Korea – and both teams will be satisfied