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Korea braces for crucial match with Algeria

After playing Russia to a 1-1 draw to open Group H action at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, South Korea returned to its Brazilian base camp of Foz do Iguacu on Wednesday.

South Korea blew a 1-0 second-half lead against Russia in Cuiaba on Tuesday but walked away with a point with two matches remaining.

South Korea, coached by Hong Myung-bo, will face Algeria in Porto Alegre, about 600 kilometers east of the base camp, on Sunday. The group finale will be against Belgium in Sao Paulo, some 850 kilometers northeast of Foz do Iguacu.

Before the South Korea-Russia clash, Belgium defeated Algeria, 2-1, to assume the early lead in the group.

In Wednesday's session, those who took the field against Russia stretched for about 20 minutes and did some light jogging at Pedro Basso Stadium. Those who stayed on the bench had passing drills and played two-on-two matches in the penalty area.

The practice was held in chilly conditions with the temperature around 18 degrees Celsius (64.4 degrees Fahrenheit), and a few players donned long-sleeve shirts.

The cool conditions might well have prepared the South Koreans for the match in Porto Alegre, where the average high around this time of the year hovers around 15 degrees Celsius.

South Korea had a disappointing buildup to the World Cup, losing two consecutive friendly matches without scoring a goal. Yet after a spirited draw Tuesday, South Korea is still alive in the tournament.

Algeria scored first against Belgium before conceding two second-half goals. A loss to South Korea would eliminate Algeria.

Even though they gave up the equalizer only six minutes after getting on the board, South Korean players said the match against Russia was a major boost to their confidence and that they felt Algeria is beatable.

After Wednesday's practice, team captain Koo Ja-cheol said the Algerian match was essentially a "must-win" situation for South Korea.

"We have to defeat them to get to the round of 16," the midfielder said. "We'll concentrate on doing whatever it takes to win."

Goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong, playing in his second consecutive World Cup, said South Korea should be wary of Algerian players' deft footwork, sharp shooting and accurate passing.

South Korea held an edge over Russia in ball possession and passing accuracy but it didn't translate into more shots on goal.

The team's defense also left room for improvement, and the backs will have their work cut out against the speedy and skillful Algerians. (Yonhap)