The 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread #1/Sports Saturday For 6/12/10: Swift & Spirit Give The Korea Republic An Impressive Win Over Greece

Photo from Getty Images and FIFA.com

What a display today from the captain and his country.

Match thread archive
The lineups to the 1st contest of the tripleheader today, with the stunning absence of long time stalwart and legend Lee Wong Jae.

Greece: Tzorvas, Seitaridis, Tziolis, Samaras, Papadapolous, Charisteas, Karagounis, Vyntra, Torosidis, Gekas, Katsouranis

South Korea: Sung-Ryong, Yong-hyung, Ji-sung, Jung-woo, Chu-young, Young-pyo, Jung-soo, Sung-yueng,Chung-yong, Ki-hun, Du-Ri

Just shocked that Lee Wong Jae is not in the side today, and will get more on that in a second.

Prediction: Expect an open fun contest today, even if these two sides usually lack cutting edge. Pace for the Korea Republic, while size for Greece, and very important massive game for both teams in a tough group.

Greece 2, South Korea 2.

1st Half Analysis:

It's that man's goal, Lee Jung Soo, in the 7th minute that has given South Korea a deserving 1-0 lead over Greece so far. They have simply had the cutting edge in this match, and probably were unlikely to not be leading in the 1st half by two goals.

For Greece, they showed a little more quality at the end of the half with their crossing, but they still lack a lot to be desired here. Otto Rehhagel may have to take a risk here and bring in exciting young Greek talent Sotiris Ninis.

For the Korea Republic, they have been masterful so far on tactics and technique, but Park Chu-Young was denied by great goalkeeping from Tzorvas.

Final result:
A terrific performance from Park Ji Sung and South Korea, a miserable display and opener for Greece and Otto Rehhagel. The Kuwan Warriors win the Group B opener in impressive fashion, 2-0, over the Euro 04 champions, who clearly missed Kyrgiakos.

What a surprise who the man of the match (sarcasm level real high):