FIFA World Cup Report: Jun 12
Korea Republic made history by grabbing the first victory of the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament. They defeated Greece 2-0 in Group B’s first match.
It was an entertaining game, filled with runs and pace. There was also some controversial decisions going against the Korea Republic. In the end, these didn't prevent them from triumphing over their Greek counterparts.
 | Korea Republic 2 - 0 Greece |  |
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Saturday June 12th, 7:30AM EST
Korea Republic vs Greece, First Half: Go Korea!
The Greeks commenced the game with strength on the offensive – Giorgio Samaras making good progress down the left hand side of the field. However, they couldn’t take advantage of their possession in the opening minutes of the match.
They let the South Koreans stun them after only 7 minutes gone down the clock. From a free-kick taken near the end line on the left, Jung-Soo Lee executed a great tap in to leave goalkeeper Papadopoulos upset. 1-0 to the Koreans. With this goal, the Tigers of Asia became the first team in the 2010 World Cup competition to score in the first half of a match.
The game continued to offer more entertainment as the Greeks implied more power upfront. However, South Korea’s shot stopper was also up to his task at every occasion.
The South Koreans terrorized Greece with their pace and intelligence on the counter attack. There was a clean call for a penalty at a point in the first period and another controversial moment inside the 23rd minute. Play maker and captain Ji Sung Park was on the verge of doubling his side’s lead when the referee wrongly whistled for a free-kick against the Asians.
Four minutes later, the chance was wider opened. Chu-Young Park was put through on goal with two Greek defenders applying a lot of pressure behind him. Their goalkeeper ultimately produced a tantalizing save to prevent his side from losing 2-0 at that moment.
Shockingly, Greece’s Gekas almost connected with a fine long ball but South Korea’s keeper grabbed it to keep his team in the lead.
The Tigers of Asia went into the dressing rooms being 1-0 up after 45 minutes. Coach Huh Jung-Moo looked eager to complete the match on a good note. That’s just what happened at the end of proceedings.
Korea Republic vs Greece, Second Half: The Asians Get Their Job Done
Park Ji-Sung lighted up the second half with a trademark run and a exquisite goal to punish Greece’s unforgivable defensive mistake. At 2-0, there was a feeling that the South Koreans would run away with all three points – the first three points of the 2010 World Cup.
Chu-Young Park missed a glorious chance from an unmarked position to make it 3-0. His header flew over the bar, and the score line remained 2-0.
Substitute Salpingidis tried to reduce Greece’s deficit with a header which got easily caught by Korea’s keeper. Seconds later, another substitute, this time Kapetanos, made an awful shot as he blasted a good opportunity to make it 2-1 and thus finish his team mates’ great move towards the 18-yard box.
With 20 minutes left on the clock, Greece started to find ways past the Korea Republic’s defense. Gekas almost made a perfect striker inside the 80 minutes. However, his rocket got outstandingly tipped over the bar by South Korea’s keeper.
As the Greeks went forward, they also struggled to prevent the Tigers of Asia to do what they do best: to challenge on the counter attack.
At the 85th minute, Chu-Yong Lee fired a shot hard and low which Greece’s goalkeeper punched away for a corner. This was in fact the last genuine attempt on goal and the match ended 2-0 in favor of the Koreans.
Ahead of Argentina’s game against Nigeria, the Korea Republic top Group B. They have 3 points and a (+2) goal difference. The Greeks find themselves bottom of the table. Which team between Argentina and Nigeria will join the Koreans at the top of Group B.
The Greeks commenced the game with strength on the offensive – Giorgio Samaras making good progress down the left hand side of the field. However, they couldn’t take advantage of their possession in the opening minutes of the match.
They let the South Koreans stun them after only 7 minutes gone down the clock. From a free-kick taken near the end line on the left, Jung-Soo Lee executed a great tap in to leave goalkeeper Papadopoulos upset. 1-0 to the Koreans. With this goal, the Tigers of Asia became the first team in the 2010 World Cup competition to score in the first half of a match.
The game continued to offer more entertainment as the Greeks implied more power upfront. However, South Korea’s shot stopper was also up to his task at every occasion.
The South Koreans terrorized Greece with their pace and intelligence on the counter attack. There was a clean call for a penalty at a point in the first period and another controversial moment inside the 23rd minute. Play maker and captain Ji Sung Park was on the verge of doubling his side’s lead when the referee wrongly whistled for a free-kick against the Asians.
Four minutes later, the chance was wider opened. Chu-Young Park was put through on goal with two Greek defenders applying a lot of pressure behind him. Their goalkeeper ultimately produced a tantalizing save to prevent his side from losing 2-0 at that moment.
Shockingly, Greece’s Gekas almost connected with a fine long ball but South Korea’s keeper grabbed it to keep his team in the lead.
The Tigers of Asia went into the dressing rooms being 1-0 up after 45 minutes. Coach Huh Jung-Moo looked eager to complete the match on a good note. That’s just what happened at the end of proceedings.
Korea Republic vs Greece, Second Half: The Asians Get Their Job Done
Park Ji-Sung lighted up the second half with a trademark run and a exquisite goal to punish Greece’s unforgivable defensive mistake. At 2-0, there was a feeling that the South Koreans would run away with all three points – the first three points of the 2010 World Cup.
Chu-Young Park missed a glorious chance from an unmarked position to make it 3-0. His header flew over the bar, and the score line remained 2-0.
Substitute Salpingidis tried to reduce Greece’s deficit with a header which got easily caught by Korea’s keeper. Seconds later, another substitute, this time Kapetanos, made an awful shot as he blasted a good opportunity to make it 2-1 and thus finish his team mates’ great move towards the 18-yard box.
With 20 minutes left on the clock, Greece started to find ways past the Korea Republic’s defense. Gekas almost made a perfect striker inside the 80 minutes. However, his rocket got outstandingly tipped over the bar by South Korea’s keeper.
As the Greeks went forward, they also struggled to prevent the Tigers of Asia to do what they do best: to challenge on the counter attack.
At the 85th minute, Chu-Yong Lee fired a shot hard and low which Greece’s goalkeeper punched away for a corner. This was in fact the last genuine attempt on goal and the match ended 2-0 in favor of the Koreans.
Ahead of Argentina’s game against Nigeria, the Korea Republic top Group B. They have 3 points and a (+2) goal difference. The Greeks find themselves bottom of the table. Which team between Argentina and Nigeria will join the Koreans at the top of Group B.
Related Articles
- Santos coach Ramalho believes "Neymar will be the best player in the world in 2014"
- England coach Fabio Capello to become a TV pundit as Three Lions will get busy
- 2014 FIFA World Cup draw—UEFA, CAF, AFC, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, OFC & the groups
- 2014 World Cup: CONCACAF's Idea Snubbed As Nothing Changes For Allocated Spots
- Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea Get Highest World Cup Rewards From FIFA
Member Sign In »
Related Articles
- Santos coach Ramalho believes "Neymar will be the best player in the world in 2014"
- England coach Fabio Capello to become a TV pundit as Three Lions will get busy
- 2014 FIFA World Cup draw—UEFA, CAF, AFC, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, OFC & the groups
- 2014 World Cup: CONCACAF's Idea Snubbed As Nothing Changes For Allocated Spots
- Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea Get Highest World Cup Rewards From FIFA
- World Cup Round Up for July 11, 2010
- Spain’s Distinct Identity Shines Through in First World Cup Triumph
- 2010 World Cup Final: Netherlands 0-1 (AET) Spain – Report
- 2010 World Cup Final: Netherlands vs Spain Match Preview
- Holanda vs España - Final de la Copa Mundial FIFA 2010 - Previa