South Korea shuts out Greece in Group B action

The first win of the World Cup went to a tenacious South Korean team who defeated Greece 2-0 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Saturday morning.

Lee Jung-Soo opened the scoring for South Korea on a set piece. Park Ji- Sung managed to double the South Korean lead in the second half.

It was the first time these two teams went head-to-head at the World Cup and the Taegeuk Warriors proved they could contend with the 2004 Euro Champions.

Greece did not look impressive in their opening game appearing rather slow and in general poor form.

The Greeks got into some early foul trouble that eventually led to the first goal at the seven minute mark. Ki Sung-Yong was awarded a free kick from the corner flag which reached an unmarked Lee Jung-Soo for an easy tap in.

­­Greece had the first quality chance early in the game. At the two minute mark, Vasilis Torosidis took a pass from Giorgos Karagounis. Torosidis took a shot six yards off target and failed to produce a goal.

The Koreans woke up and proceeded to dominate the game with fast runs, quality passes, and goal opportunities.

Park Ji-Sung put the game away for the Koreans with a determined solo effort, finding himself on a breakaway, getting past tackles and flying Greek bodies. But it was just enough strength to get it past the goalkeeper, putting Korea up 2-0.

With 10 minutes remaining in the game, Greece got its best chance and perhaps its last opportunity to score a goal. Theofanis Gekas ferociously shot a ball right on target that looked like it was headed straight in.

South Korea’s Jung Sung- Ryong made a reaction save on Gekas and stretched vertically to just tip the shot over.

The Taegeuk Warriors convincingly pull off the win and will play Argentina next while the Greeks will look for their first goal of the tournament against Nigeria in Group B action.

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By: Rosa Garcia
Posted: Jun 12 2010 9:19 am
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Filed under: 2010 World Cup
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