S Korea, Nigeria battle for continental pride

DURBAN, South Africa (AP):

South Korea and Nigeria could turn to veterans like 2002 World Cup hero Ahn Jung-hwan and Nwankwo Kanu for today's Group B game as they fight to join Argentina in the last 16.

South Korea can advance to the next round by defeating the winless Nigerians at Durban. Anything less will mean the South Koreans' chances of progressing will depend on the outcome of Argentina's match against Greece in the other group match.

"What's more important than the other match is that we play well and get a good result," Korean coach Huh Jung-moo said yesterday.

Six of South Korea's squad now play in Europe and the best-known, Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung, said that will help the team tackle Nigeria.

"We have a lot of players playing on European teams, so now we know how to play with African members and also against them," he said. "We have accumulated quite a lot of experience."

High hopes

Even though Nigeria have lost both their games so far at the World Cup, they could still reach the round of 16 by beating South Korea - and relying on an Argentina victory.

"It's a really good team, so let's hope we can show it to the whole world tomorrow ... I think we have a good chance to get a good result against Korea," coach Lars Lagerback said yesterday. "As a coach, I've learned that nothing is impossible. Of course, Greece can beat Argentina. But I don't expect that."

Nigeria are among the African teams that have disappointed at a World Cup in which they were expected to shine on home soil. The African teams have only one win between them from 12 games.

"I think African teams have very good players ... but maybe there's a lack of continuity. All the players in the Super Eagles play abroad and you need time to (build) a team. Maybe that's true for other African teams," Lagerback said. "Let's hope we can show tomorrow that African teams not only play well but also get results."