Tuesday 22 June 2010

NGA v SKO (1930 GMT)

22/06/2010 Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Att: 61874


Starting Line up

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama (Y); Chidi Odiah, Danny Shittu, Joseph Yobo (Echiejile, 46), Rabiu Afolabi, Kalu Uche, Dickson Etuhu, Yussuf Ayila (Y), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Obinna, 70), Chinedu Obasi, Nwankwo Kanu (Martins, 57).

South Korea: Jung Sung-ryong; Cha Doo-ri, Lee Young-pyo, Cho Yong-hyung, Lee Jung-soo, Kim Jung-woo, Ki Sung-yong (Kim Jae-sung, 86), Park Ji-sung, Lee Chung-yong, Park Chu-young (Kim Dong-jin, 90+3), Yeom Ki-hun (Kim Nam-il, 63).

Referee: Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal)


After getting smashed by Argentina, their manager Huh Jung-moo was under scrutiny playing Oh Beum-Seok over Cha Du-ri and they were correct to say so as most of Argentina's attack broke from right-flank. He changed it back to Cha prior to Nigeria match, acknowledging his performance was below par. Other than that change, he putted same side for this match


Nigeria were unlucky to face the exit. Having played well for half an hour against Greece, they fall apart after Sani Kaita stupidly sent off by being petulant. Defeat against Greece put them in difficult circumstance to qualify to next round but it seemed possible against defensively vulnerable Korean side.


Game started brightly from both side as they couldn't just rely on Argentina to beat Greece. Within first minute, South Korea had half-chance but Lee Chung-yong couldn't direct the ball towards the goal. Early chance gone begging.


Later on Nigeria took the charge in midfield and began to out-muscled them in the area. Eventually, their possession was paid off with goal on 12th minute, when Uche converts Odiah's fine cross. 1-0 Nigeria and pressure was on to South Korean side.


Nigeria continued to charge to get more goal in case of goal difference but their defensive lapse let them down yet against when they needlessly gave out free-kick, which was headed and kicked in by South Korean defender, Lee Jung-soo. 1-1 and all to play for in the second half.


Second half began exactly how Korean wanted it. They were awarded a free kick yet again, which was within right-foot of Park Chu-young's range. He curled it round the keeper. Enyeama wrong stepped and ball went in. Advantage South Korea.


But the lead didn't last long, when their veteran midfielder Kim Nam-il foolishly gave away a penalty by hacking Chinedu Obasi directly in front of referee's eye. It was moment for Yakubu to redeem himself, after missing a sitter just moments ago and he slotted in with ease.


Later on the match, it was all Nigeria as South Korea tried to lock the game down by playing 4-5-1 but they almost got caught out by Victor Obinna with fierce shot from range and Obafemi Martins with dangerous run into the box. Fortunately, none of them gone in and successfully went through to second round. FT: 2-2


Nigeria v South Korea

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