It was to expect to see these two squads at the top of the group, but this situation might change its course upon this match, in which one of the candidates will face an Asiatic beast, lead by Manchester's Park Ji Sung to the top of the positions table. Maradona will introduce a single modification from the last game, to preserve Juan Sebastian Veron for future matches. Maxi Rodriguez will take his place, allowing Di Maria to assume a creative position. Speed vs Wits, who will get half a ticket for the next round?
Go with the flow
The high expectations the Argentinean crowd had over this competition were absolutely reached during the first match, even though the goal difference made the American country suffer until the last minute. Everyone was wondering whether Lionel Messi was to become a man to lead Argentina to the top, and he certainly did even though he had no opportunity to taste the net. Jonas Gutierrez's managed to perform very naturally in the back line, and the same position might occupy for this decisive battle.
The best of Argentina against Nigeria came from the interaction between Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi. The Apache worked wonders by occupying the center of the midfield, assisting with the defense with necessary and joining Argentina's offensive trident when needed. Angel Di Maria was unable to add his finesse most of the time, probably because Argentina's advance always came from the right side. Veron's absence for this second match might give El Flaco an opportunity to join Messi and Tevez, considering Maxi Rodriguez will occupy a more defensive position.
This time Tevez's weight in the game will be enormous, as he's the one that knows the best Park Ji Sung's play style after having played in the same team for one season. Tevez's declarations regarding his advices to Jonas Gutierrez to mark the Korean star raised doubts regarding the position Newcastle's midfielder might assume. Maybe Ariel Garce will occupy the winger position and Jonas Gutierrez will join the offensive line.
Gonzalo Higuain has not played his best match against the African squad, but Maradona is not thinking on replacing him for the moment. Diego Milito's presence in the bench is still controversial, as Il Principe might provide the Albiceleste the efficiency in the last meters needed to secure the victory. Sergio Aguero is another unexpected absence, but at least Argentina can completely modify its shape and surprise the Asiatics when needed.
Having tried a long list of players, Maradona has found in Martin Demichellis, Gabriel Heinze, Walter Samuel and Jonas Gutierrez what he was looking for in his back line. Bayern Munich's Martin De Michellis had a weak performance during the first match, gifting many opportunities to the African stars. Nicolas Otamendi will be looking forward to take his place if things don't turn out as expected in this second match.
The ultimate challenge
Korea is currently at the top of Group B's positions table, thanks to a loose goal difference over the Helenic rivals. Given a draw between Nigeria and Greece, a victory over the Albiceleste will secure the pass to the following stage, something no one would have ever dreamed of at the beginning of the competition. Park Ji Sun has given wide demonstrations of his skills during the last match and it's clear he will have to deal with a jealous defense from Argentina's back line.
Huh Hung-Moo will try to overwhelm Argentina from the bands, but the fight for speed will be difficult against one of World's most electric squads. Team's coach declarations regarding an "anti-messi" formation might stop much of Argentina's ball flow. Nevertheless, the Koreans might be biting more than they can chew, as the Blaugrana star is a specialist when it comes to packing together an endless line of defenders.
Both teams have shown a wide control over the ball and nerves of steel at times of desperate need. Six points will be in play tomorrow at the Soccer City, where the future of this group will be decided. Both coaches are familiar with each other, as the Korean manager had to stand against Maradona back in Mexico '86. That year Maradona lead Argentina to their last World Title, will history repeat this time in African ground?
