World Cup: South Korea pledge 'last-ditch effort' against Germany

June 27, 2018 | 09:27

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South Korea coach Shin Tae-yong says his team have just a "one per cent chance" of beating Germany and sending the holders tumbling out of the World Cup.

world cup south korea pledge last ditch effort against germany

South Korea coach Shin Tae-yong is playing down his team's chances of beating Germany at the World Cup. (AFP/Benjamin CREMEL)

A 1-0 defeat to Mexico and a last-gasp 2-1 win over Sweden have left Joachim Loew's team in danger of becoming the German side to exit at the first-round stage since 1938.

Germany can guarantee progress with a win by two clear goals on Wednesday but all four teams can still qualify from Group F, even South Korea, who currently have no points.

"Germany are a lot stronger than us, so it's not going to be easy for us," said Shin. "But the ball is round so I think there will be opportunities for us as well.

"Even if we have less possession than Germany we will do our utmost to beat Germany tomorrow.

"We have a one percent chance. It will be our last-ditch effort, but whether we go to the round of 16 or not we will do our utmost to win tomorrow's game. The Korean people know this and I hope they will give us support as well."

Tottenham forward Son Heung-min also played down the chances of an upset.

"I don't know how I should answer," he said when asked if South Korea could spring a surprise. "Of course, we want to do our best to get to the round of 16. They have to win, we have to win.

"They're the world champions, they're world number one. A lot of people didn't think Mexico could beat Germany, so we will try to do our best and accept the result."

South Korea are missing injured captain Ki Sung-yueng, who plays for Swansea.

"He (Ki) is a key player for our team. It's not something we had planned for, so it really complicates the situation for us," said coach Shin.

AFP

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