Four reasons why South Korea and Russia crashed out

Date: 27th June 2014 at 5:10am
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Belgium managed to defeat South Korea 1-0 at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo in a rather meaningless game. However, the group itself had everything in it. From goalkeeping howlers, penalty claims and stunning goals. But why did Russia and South Korea bow out of the tournament?

1. South Korea’s inexperience

Hong Myung-bo might be one of the best Asian players to grace the game but his unawareness during this FIFA World Cup cost South Korea badly. The players Myung-Bo had at his disposal didn’t help him because they too were inexperienced. The Taegeuk Warriors, who have been renowned for their resilience were outplayed in all three games they played in. Their lack of experience was epitomised when they failed to hold a lead against Russia and their mental breakdown against Algeria after conceding the first goal.

South Korea

2. Algerian Coach Vahid Halilhodzic showing his tactical nous

The former Yugoslavian international may not be household name but the Algerian coach has shown in this World Cup campaign he can battle with the best when it comes to setting up his side. His side nearly executed a defensive counter attacking strategy to perfection against Belgium before conceding two late goals, and then adopted an agressive attacking apporach against South Korea which saw them score four goals in the first half. Against Russia it was a more mature, measured approach, defending when needed and attacking with pace. Even though his side were tipped to crash out from the group stages, his tactical awareness greatly helped his side. Even though this might not directly have something to do with South Korea and Russia, if it wasn’t for Halilhodzic’s awareness, one of the former two might’ve been in the Round of 16.

3. Russia’s lack of creativity

With Roman Shirokov out of the World Cup, much was expected of CSKA Moscow playmaker Alan Dzagoev. After finishing joint top scorer at Euro 2012 this was supposed to be the tournament when the 24 year old confirmed his talent on the world stage, however he did not start once in this tournament. This resulted in an obvious inability to create chances. With Capello not trusting Dzagoev, and with Shirokov out; Russia had to play three consecutive games with no creativity.

4.Fabio Capello is a creature of habit.

He will remain one of the most decorated coaches in the game but in Brazil Fabio Capello showed his inability to change from his principles of safety-first football.  His Russian side were dull and overly cautious in their first two games against South Korea and Belgium and only started to play in the final game against Algeria. The excusion of playmaker Alan Dzagoev from the starting line up was baffling.

 

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