Nigeria v South Korea

TEAM NEWS

Nigeria could be without a recognised left-back for Tuesday's game. Taye Taiwo is doubtful with a groin injury and deputy Uwa Echiejile is also struggling.
If both defenders are unavailable, coach Lars Lagerback may have to reshuffle his defence. Midfielder Sani Kaita is suspended following his sending off against Greece.
South Korea are expected to again opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Monaco's Park Chu-young will start as a lone striker, with Manchester United's Park Ji-sung providing support from midfield.
One booking from suspension: Haruna, Obasi Ogbuke (Nigeria); Yeom Ki-hun, Lee Chung-yong (South Korea)

MATCH PREVIEW

Nigeria may have lost their first two games, but the Super Eagles can still qualify for the last 16 if they beat South Korea and the Greeks lose to Argentina. If it had not been for a moment of stupidity from Sani Kaita, their fate could still be in their own hands. The Nigerians looked in control against Greece on Tuesday until Kaita needlessly kicked out at Vasileios Torosidis, earning a red card.
He later apologised to "the Nigerian people, my team-mates and to the officials", but has received threatening emails following the incident. Kaita's team-mates have rallied round him, and if the Super Eagles reach the last 16 the midfielder's transgression will quickly be forgotten.
South Korea impressed in their opening win against the Greeks but were unable to contain Argentina at Soccer City. However, they still look the favourites to claim second spot in Group B. If the Argentines beat Greece, Huh Jung-moo's men will only need a point to qualify. He does not want his side to play for the draw, but admits "we will not go forward by opening the back door".
A survey in South Korea has revealed that almost 80% of fans think their team will progress to the next round. If they are successful, it will be the first time the Koreans have gone beyond the group stage on foreign soil.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
- South Korea are unbeaten in three previous games against Nigeria, winning two of those matches. All three encounters were friendlies played in Korea.
Nigeria
- Defeat to Greece made Nigeria the first side to lose a match at the 2010 World Cup after taking the lead.
- The Super Eagles are without a win in their last seven World Cup matches, losing six of them. The exception was the 0-0 draw against England in 2002.
- They have lost eight World Cup matches in total - more than any other African side.
South Korea
- The 4-1 loss to Argentina was South Korea's heaviest World Cup defeat since a 5-0 thrashing from the Dutch at France '98.
- Aside from their semi-final run on home soil in 2002, South Korea have gone out at the opening stage of every World Cup.
- Park Ji-sung's goal against Greece made him the first South Korean to score at three World Cups. He netted against Portugal in 2002 and France in 2006.

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal)
Assistants: Jose Cardinal and Bertino Miranda (both Portugal)
Fourth official: Marco Rodriguez (Mexico)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_35/default.stm

not unrealistic to say Nigeria should have got points from all 3 games

It's not just the miss of this World Cup, it is the miss of ANY World Cup. Yussuf Ayila crosses from the Nigerian left and it beats Jung Sung-Ryong, falling perfectly into the path of Yakubu three yards out. In front of an open goal, he slots wide. It's incredible.