World Cup 2014 Group H preview: South Korea v Belgium

Following Greece’s great escape, South Korea, 33/1 to qualify from Group H, can feel emboldened heading into their final game against a Belgium side that are already safely through to the knockout phases.

It is clear that in this World Cup anything can happen, but the Taegeuk Warriors will need to steal some of the Pirate Ship’s good fortune if they are to navigate the choppy waters awaiting them in this vital match.

As the only nation left representing East Asia, they face the same predicament as their Japanese counterparts in Group C – they must beat the pool leaders and make up a negative goal difference, whilst hoping results elsewhere favour them. In this scenario, as long as Algeria do not beat Russia, a place in the last 16 is still possible for Hong Myung-Bo’s team.

Where the Blue Samurai failed, the Taegeuk Warriors can emerge triumphant. The key component for South Korea could be sharpshooter Song Heung-Min, at 11/4 to net any time in the game, following his strike against Algeria. The Bayer Leverkusen forward completed a cheeky turn, and finished with a low strike through Rais M’Bolhi’s legs, to claw one back for his side in their demoralising defeat.

Sunderland star Ki Sung-Yeung had a stinging shot turned over the bar by a goalkeeper who was then keen to make amends, and is 7/1 to be on target anytime against Belgium.

In the six-goal extravaganza with the Desert Foxes, Hong Myung-Bo’s team displayed similar defensive frailties to Japan. Bullied at the back, they showed a worrying lack of composure and organisation that had also been evident in their 4-0 mauling by Ghana in a World Cup warm-up game.

However, unlike the Blue Samurai, who spurned numerous chances, South Korea have a proven poacher ready to stand up and be counted. With two goals in his last five games for the Taegeuk Warriors, Song Heung-Min is at 2/1 to end the tournament as his nation’s top scorer and 14/1 to bag a brace against Belgium.

South Korea are 4/1 to beat the Red Devils, or 5/2 to secure a draw, but that will not be enough to progress to the knockout phase.