Sweden vs. Korea Republic (Monday 1pm, live on ITV)
Korea Republic are regarded by some as the weakest team in the World Cup “group of death” but striker Kim Shinwook is confident they can surprise their rivals and qualify for the knockout stages.
Four years ago in Brazil Korea Republic only won one point against Belgium, Algeria and Russia as they finished bottom of their group. This year in Russia Korea have an even tougher task against Germany, Mexico and Sweden - who they play first on Monday at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
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Germany and Mexico are favourites to qualify from group F but Kim says the Korea Republic squad is “well prepared” after the disappointment at the 2014 World Cup.
He told Fifa.com: “It’s completely different this time, because we’re in a very difficult group - some say it’s the worst possible scenario. But we’re well prepared under a new coach, and we’ll try to become a unit and play our best football there. If that is possible, we’ll be able to overcome the first hurdle.”
Tottenham forward Son Heung-min is Korea Republic’s main dangerman while Swedish hopes will rest on striker Marcus Berg and midfielder Emil Forsberg.
Sweden vs. Korea Republic possible starting XIs
How the teams may line up according to Fifa.com.
- Sweden (4-4-2): Olsen; Lustig, Granqvist, Lindelof, Augustinsson; Claesson, Larsson, Ekdal, Forsberg; Berg, Toivonen
- Korea Republic (4-2-3-1): Kim Seunggyu; Lee Yong, Kim Younggwon, Jang Hyunsoo, Park Jooho; Ki Sungyueng, Jung Wooyoung; Hwang Heechan, Lee Jaesung, Son Heung-min; Kim Shinwook
Group F fixtures and live TV channels
- 17 June: Germany vs. Mexico (4pm, BBC)
- 18 June: Sweden vs. Korea Republic (1pm, ITV)
- 23 June: Korea Republic vs. Mexico (4pm, ITV); Germany vs. Sweden (7pm, ITV)
- 27 June: Korea Republic vs. Germany (3pm, BBC); Mexico vs. Sweden (3pm, BBC)
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