Will it be another fairy tale?

A fact that has eluded everyone – South Korea have more players who have scored in World Cup Finals than any other squad in Germany. The Red Devils, as they are popularly known as, have seven different players on the scoresheet four years ago. While Guus Hiddink was the man who accomplished this, it’s now up to Dick Advocaat to emulate these. Still, this should be an easy outing for them, given the turmoil in Togo’s camp.

The Sparrow Hawks will have no problem when it comes to booking their flight home as they knew the exact date of that trip – 25 June. Coach Otto Pfister has quit the team “moment” before Togo opens their World Cup campaign. But he made a u-turn and said he would take charge of their opening game. Rumours had it that the players have boycotted three closed training sessions, and the problems for Togo just go on and on.

Tough Italian Job

The Azzuris face a very tough job ahead of them. With a spate of match-fixing allegations back home, it’s taking a lot of mental strength for them to stay focus on their task at hand. If they want to avoid facing Brazil in the next stage of the tournament, they will need to top the group and thus, have to open their campaign with a convincing victory against Ghana.

A draw however, will be as good as a win for Ghana. The Ghanaians are renowned for their athleticism. It will be very tough on the ageing central defence of Italy. Still, three points should not be a problem for the veterans though the rookies will make them work for it.

Czech mate?

The Czechs could be under-strength should their ace-striker Milan Baros fail a late fitness test. Since his foot injury in a friendly kickabout, it has been a race against time to get this former Liverpool striker back up on his feet. But the Republic’s talismanic skipper Pavel Nedved is fit and well after recovering from a training accident.

At the other camp, Coach Bruce Arena expects striker Brian Ching to be fit for this encounter. Claudio Reyna too, has been given the all clear for his fourth World Cup appearance. At a ripe “old” age of 32, he is ready and needs to make an impact in this World Cup before it’s too late.