#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: (World Cup final) Germany vs. Argentina

Argentina and Germany will battle it out for the biggest prize in football on Sunday when they meet at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium in the World Cup final.

It will be the third time that these two footballing giants have contested a World Cup final, with Argentina winning in 1986 and Germany claiming revenge four years later - the last time that each team lifted the trophy.

Joachim Low's side have been installed as the favourites following their 7-1 humiliation of hosts Brazil in the last four, which was the biggest semi-final victory in the history of the competition.

The Europeans will also benefit from having an extra day of rest, having booked their place in the tournament showpiece 24 hours before Argentina needed a penalty shootout to overcome Netherlands in Sao Paulo.

Javier Mascherano has revealed that he 'stretched his anus' in making a match-saving tackle on Arjen Robben that helped the South Americans reach the final, but is expected to be fit to start this weekend.

Alejandro Sabella has a choice to make between Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, who returned from a muscle strain as a substitute in the semi-final, as his lone striker.

Lionel Messi is likely to again be given a free role in the Argentine attack, and could be joined in the starting XI by Angel di Maria, who is "training at 80%" as he recovers from the thigh injury that ruled him out against the Dutch, with Enzo Perez the most probable player to be sacrificed.

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is Germany's main injury doubt, having been taken off at half time in the thrashing of the Selecao with a knee injury that has since been found to be tendonitis.

Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker is on standby, and his Gunners teammate Mesut Ozil should get the nod over Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle, whom Low prefers to use in an impact substitute role.

Schurrle scored two of Germany's seven against Brazil off the bench, with Toni Kroos another to bag a brace and Sami Khedira, Thomas Muller and now all-time World Cup top scorer Miroslav Klose also netting.

Muller and Messi are still in contention for the Golden Boot. Colombia's James Rodriguez currently leads the way with six strikes, which is one more than Muller and two more than Messi.

Recent form

Germany: WWDWDW

Argentina: DWDWWW

Possible starting lineups

Germany: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; Ozil, Kroos, Muller; Klose

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Rojo; Mascherano, Biglia, Di Maria; Lavezzi, Messi, Higuain

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Brazil Vs Netherlands

Brazil will be seeking redemption this weekend as Luiz Felipe Scolari's side face the Netherlands in Saturday's third-place playoff for the penultimate fixture of the World Cup.

Both nations duke it out in Brasilia tonight in a bid to salvage some pride after the pair lost their respective semi-final encounters - albeit in contrasting manners.

The Selecao saw their dream of winning the World Cup on home soil dashed in ruthless fashion on Tuesday as Germany cruised to a 7-1 victory in front of a visibly distressed home crowd in Belo Horizonte.

A disastrous first half set the tone for the Brazilians as Germany struck four times in an astonishing six-minute spell en route to a commanding five-goal half-time lead.

One positive for the host nation is that captain Thiago Silva returns to the team after missing the seven-goal mauling through suspension.

Neymar remains sidelined with a back injury, meaning that Willian could deputise in his absence after Bernard endured an indifferent performance against the Germans.

Elsewhere, Scolari may finally call time on Fred's inclusion after the striker was booed in the Estadio Mineirao for his display against Joachim Low's side.

Unlike their Brazilian counterparts, the Netherlands had to wait two hours before being put out of their misery following the drab 0-0 draw with Argentina on Wednesday.

In a game of few chances, it came down to a penalty shootout and Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero saved twice from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder to ensure that the Dutch would not replicate their heroics from the previous round against Costa Rica.

Coach Louis van Gaal may elect to give third-choice goalkeeper Michel Vorm some game-time, as the Swansea City keeper is the only one of the 23-man squad not to get a run-out as of yet.

Victory for the Netherlands would represent their third win over Brazil at the finals, having beaten the South Americans twice - 1974 and 2010 - and drawn one in their previous four World Cup meetings.

Recent form

Netherlands: WWWWWL

Brazil: WDWWWL

Possible starting lineups

Netherlands: Vorm; De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi, Kuyt, Blind; De Jong, Wijnaldum; Sneijder, Robben, Van Persie

Brazil: Cesar; Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Fernandinho, Hulk, Oscar, Willian; Jo

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Netherlands Vs Argentina

Two footballing titans go head to head in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday as the Netherlands meet Argentina in Sao Paulo.

The Dutch scraped through to the last four thanks to a penalty-shootout victory over Costa Rica, while Argentina edged past Belgium in their quarter-final tie.

It has been 24 years since the Argentines last reached the last four of the tournament, eventually losing to Germany in the 1990 final. Meanwhile, the Netherlands made it through to the semis in 2010 before suffering an extra-time defeat to Spain in the final.

This is a fixture that has plenty of history when it comes to World Cups, with the teams taking part in some memorable encounters down the years.

Argentina's most famous triumph over the Dutch came back in 1978 when a 3-1 victory after extra time in the final saw them lift the trophy for the first time.

As for the Netherlands, Dennis Bergkamp's stunning winner in the 1998 quarter-finals provided one of the most thrilling moments in the competition's recent history.

Ron Vlaar is expected to undergo a late fitness test for Louis van Gaal's side, who have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match.

Angel di Maria has been ruled out for Argentina with a thigh problem, but Sergio Aguero is likely to return after sitting out the last two games with a hamstring strain.

Recent form

Netherlands: WWWWWW

Argentina: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Netherlands: Cillessen; De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi, Blind; Sneijder, Wijnaldum, Kuyt, Depay, Robben; Van Persie

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Basanta; Biglia, Mascherano; Perez, Aguero, Messi; Higuain

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Brazil Vs Germany

Host nation Brazil will attempt to secure a place in the final at the World Cup when they take on Germany in their last-four clash in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.

Luiz Felipe Scolari will be without Neymar, who has been their top scorer so far in this tournament, as he suffered a fractured vertebra during their quarter-final win over Colombia.

Brazil will also be missing their captain Thiago Silva after he picked up his second booking of the tournament, while Willian sustained a back injury during training, but insists that it will not stop him playing.

Meanwhile, Germany are still dealing with a bout of flu that has been working its way through the squad over the last week.

Defender Per Mertesacker missed training this weekend after coming down with the illness, while Bastian Schweinsteiger has been working away from his teammates.

However, Joachim Low has no players suspended and has reported no fresh injuries following their quarter-final win over France.

In the only previous World Cup meeting between these two sides, Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 to claim the 2002 title, while the Germans won a friendly between the pair in their most recent meeting in 2011.

Recent form

Brazil: WWDWDW

Germany: WWDWWW

Possible starting lineups

Brazil: Cesar, Maicon, Luiz, Alves, Marcelo, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Hulk, Oscar, Willian, Fred

Germany: Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Lahm, Mertesacker, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Ozil, Muller, Klose

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Netherlands Vs Costa Rica (UPDATED)

The Netherlands go into their quarter-final clash with Costa Rica at the Arena Fonte Nova on Saturday looking to improve on a tiring display against Mexico in the last-16 stage of the World Cup.

Since thrashing Spain 5-1 in their group opener, the Dutch have failed to dominate in the way many expected, but efficient performances saw them through to a tricky tie against Miguel Herrera's men last Sunday.

Despite trailing in the 35-degree heat, Louis van Gaal's side played the game until the final minutes as they sought to wear their opposition down and it seemed to work as goals from Wesley Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar saw them home with a last-gasp victory.

Costa Rica, on the other hand, have turned out to be the World Cup's surprise package. Save for their 0-0 draw with England, Jorge Luis Pinto's men have played some standout attacking football, having beaten Italy and dispatched Greece with a penalties win in the last 16.

Both sides are expected to be missing key players for this encounter, which could make for an even more engrossing spectacle.

For Holland, rumours have begun to circulate that Robin van Persie's inclusion could be a close call, with the Manchester United striker leaving training with a taped-up thigh on Wednesday, while Nigel de Jong is also expected to be absent because of a suspected torn groin muscle.

Costa Rica's chances of progression could be hampered by the absence from of commanding Oscar Duarte, who was dismissed against Greece in the last round. It was expected that Roy Miller would fill in to replace the defender, however he is due to miss out because of an injury to his left foot.

Pinto is now considering whether to bring in either Johnny Acosta or Jose Miguel Cubero to fill the void at the back.

Recent form

Netherlands: WWWWWW

Costa Rica: WWWWDL

Possible starting lineups

Netherlands: Cillessen; Vlaar, Blind, De Vrij, Verhaegh; Martins Indi, Wijnaldum, Depay, Sneijder; Robben; Van Persie
Costa Rica: Navas; Gamboa, Acosta, Diaz Campbell, Umana, Gonzalez, Ruiz, Tejeda Valverde, Campbel, Borges, Bolanos

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Argentina Vs Belgium

Argentina take on Belgium on Saturday evening at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, with both sides looking to turn rather tame starts at the tournament into something a little more comprehensive.

The Argentines have yet to really get going in Brazil and have largely relied on the exploits of Lionel Messi, arguably still not at his best, and the input of standout efforts during games in which Alejandro Sabella's men have struggled to break teams down.

This might not be that much of a concern to the South Americans, who will believe they can improve in the more important stages, as the team were boosted by a resolute performance when they overcame Switzerland 1-0 on Tuesday.

Belgium have suffered a lot of the same problems as their opponents, with the Europeans playing more like a side of star individuals than a closely-knit unit. Much like the Argentines, though, they do still have the quality of players who are capable of turning a game on its head in a flash.

Testament to this was the late introduction of Romelu Lukaku as Belgium broke American hearts with a 2-1 extra-time win on Tuesday night. The Chelsea striker changed the tide of the game with brute strength and great awareness to take the game away from the USA.

Neither side have any major injury concerns ahead of the game, but eyes will be on the fluctuating form of Angel di Maria, who rescued his side's fortunes against the Swiss.

As for Belgium, it is expected that Lukaku will make the starting XI as they look to pull together as a side going into the final stages.

Recent form

Argentina: WWWWWW

Belgium: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Rojo, Mascherano, Fernandez, Garay, Lavezzi, Gago, Higuain, Messi, Di Maria

Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Witsel, van Buyten, Kompany, Mirallas, Fellaini, Lukaku, De Bruyne, Hazard

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Brazil Vs Colombia

The host nation will take on the tournament's top scorer so far when Brazil meet Colombia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup at Fortaleza on Friday.

Brazil needed penalties to reach the last eight in their previous match against Chile, and come up against another of their South American rivals in the quarter-finals.

Luis Felipe Scolari will be without Luiz Gustavo, who is suspended after picking up his second booking of the tournament.

However, Neymar is expected to be available after overcoming thigh and knee complaints.

There are no such concerns for Colombia, who have reported no fresh injuries following their last-16 clash with Uruguay.

James Rodriguez, who currently leads the race for the golden boot with five goals, is expected to continue, while captain Mario Yepes appears to have put the thigh problem that hampered him earlier in the tournament behind him.

In the 12 previous meetings between these two sides, Brazil have won seven, while the other five have ended in a draw.

Recent form

Brazil: WWWDWD

Colombia: DWWWWW

Possible starting lineups
Brazil: Cesar, Alves, Silva, Luiz, Fernandinho, Marcelo, Hulk Fred, Willian, Neymar, Oscar,

Colombia: Ospina, Zuniga, Armero, Sanchez, Zapata, Yepes, Cuadrado, Aguilar, Gutierrez, Rodriguez, Martinez

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: France Vs Germany

Two of the heavyweights of European football will go head to head in the quarter-finals at the World Cup later this week when France take on Germany at the Maracana.

France have reached the final of the World Cup the last two times that they have progressed beyond the group stages of the tournament, and will be hoping to continue that trend on Friday.

Didier Deschamps should have a full squad to chose from for the match, having reported no new injuries, while FIFA has decided not to punish Blaise Matuidi for a challenge on Ogenyi Onazi in their round-of-16 clash with Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Joachim Low will be without Shkodran Mustafi, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a thigh injury, but Mats Hummels is thought to be nearing a return to fitness so could take his place in the starting lineup.

There are no other injuries or suspensions to trouble the Germans as they attempt to reach the last four for the fourth tournament in a row.

Last time the two countries played in the World Cup, the German side secured a 2-0 win over France in 1986.

Recent form
France: DWWWDW

Germany: DWWDWW

Possible starting lineups
France: Lloris, Debuchy, Varane, Koscielny, Evra, Pogba, Matuidi, Cabaye, Valbuena, Giroud, Benzema

Germany: Neuer, Hummels, Mertesacker, Boateng, Howedes, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Kroos, Ozil, Muller, Gotze

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Belgium Vs USA

Belgium take on the USA in the last 16 of the World Cup having progressed from Group H with a 100% record.

Marc Wilmots's side defeated Algeria, Russia and South Korea to top their group, and have a good track record against the Americans.

The Belgians have defeated the USA four times in their last five meetings, their most recent victory being a 4-2 success in a friendly match last May.

Jurgen Klinsmann's side did well to navigate a tough Group G, beating Portugal to second place on goal difference with one win, one loss and one draw.

Klinsmann, who has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game, has confirmed that Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore could feature in some capacity as he continues to regain match fitness.

Belgium could be facing a defensive crisis ahead of the match, with Anthony Vanden Borre missing out with a broken ankle and question marks over the fitness of Vincent Kompany.

The list of absentees could pave the way for Toby Alderweireld to make the starting XI.

Recent form

Belgium: WDWWWW

USA: WWWWDL

Possible starting lineups

Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Witsel, Fellaini, De Bruyne; Mertens, Mirallas, Origi

USA: Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Beckerman, Jones; Bedoya, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Argentina Vs Switzerland

Switzerland will have their work cut out when they take on Argentina for a place in the last eight of the World Cup, facing a side with a 100% record in this year's competition.

Alejandro Sabella's side qualified as Group F winners with maximum points, following victories over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria.

However, the Swiss did well to beat Ecuador to second place in Group E, sealing their place in the last 16 with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Honduras in their final game.

The Argentines are expected to hand a start to Ezequiel Lavezzi out wide, with question marks over the fitness of Manchester City star Sergio Aguero.

Switzerland's biggest concern will be keeping the sublime Lionel Messi quiet, and that task is likely to fall to Fabian Schar, who was drafted into the Swiss defence in place of the disappointing Philippe Senderos against Honduras.

Recent form

Argentina: DWWWWW

Switzerland: DWWWLW

Possible starting lineups

Argentina: Romero, Zabaleta, Garay, Fernandez, Rojo, Gago, Mascherano, Di Maria, Lavezzi, Messi, Higuain

Switzerland: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, Inler, Xhaka, Behrami, Rodriguez, Mehmedi, Drmic, Djourou, Schaer, Shaqiri

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Germany Vs Algeria

Three-time World Cup winners Germany have never failed to reach the last eight when they have participated in the tournament and can do so once more if they beat Algeria on Monday evening.

Joachim Low's team advanced to the last 16 by coming top of Group G on seven points and will be heavily fancied to overcome surprise side Algeria, who reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history by finishing second behind Belgium in Group H.

Some have said that Monday's meeting in Porto Alegre is a grudge match for Algeria after Germany's suspect 1-0 win over Austria in 1982 ensured that they could not progress in Spain.

Low, however, doesn't feel that Germany's current generation of players should be brought into the debate.

After starting in Germany's final group match against USA, Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski will be missing from tomorrow's game because of a thigh injury.

He is expected to be replaced in the side by Mario Gotze, with Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil also in attack.

Algeria are ready to welcome back Madjid Bougherra in the heart of defence after he sat out against Russia to avoid being suspended for the first knockout game.

The two nations have met twice previously, with Algeria winning both encounters. Whoever triumphs will take on the victor of the France-Nigeria tie, also on Monday, in the quarter-finals.

Recent form

Germany: WDWWDD

Algeria: DWLWWW

Possible starting lineups
Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes; Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Kroos; Ozil, Muller, Gotze

Algeria: Mbolhi; Mandi, Bougherra, Halliche, Mesbah; Medjani, Bentaleb; Feghouli, Brahimi, Djabou; Slimani

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: France Vs Nigeria

France and Nigeria will meet for just the second time when they face off in the World Cup round of 16 in Brasilia on Monday afternoon.

Didier Deschamps's unbeaten France side advanced to the last 16 by topping Group E, scoring eight goals and conceding two, while Nigeria came second in Group F behind Argentina.

The pair's one and only meeting came in a Saint-Etienne friendly five years ago, with Nigeria winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Joseph Akpala.

This time around Les Bleus are heavy favourites, but Deschamps does have injury worries, especially in defence.

Both Mamadou Sakho and Laurent Koscielny are struggling to get fit in time, meaning that Eliaquim Mangala could get the nod to start alongside Raphael Varane.

Nigeria, meanwhile, will be without midfielder Michael Babatunde after he broke his arm in a freak incident against Argentina on Wednesday.

Victor Moses could take Babatunde's place in midfield, but the Chelsea man has also been hampered by a muscular problem.

The winner will take on either Germany or Algeria in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.

Recent form

France: DWWWDW

Nigeria: LWDLDD

Possible starting lineups

France: Lloris; Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Cabaye, Pogba, Matuidi; Valbuena, Benzema, Griezmann

Nigeria: Enyeama; Ambrose, Yobo, Omeruo, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi; Musa, Moses, Odemwingie; Emenike

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Costa Rica Vs Greece

Costa Rica have caused one of the surprises of the World Cup by topping a group that included Uruguay, Italy and England.

However, Jorge Luis Pinto's side are fully deserving of a place in the last 16, and they will fancy their chances against a Greece side that only qualified for the second round in the final minute of their match with Ivory Coast.

Pinto is likely to keep changes to a minimum as he looks to maintain his team's momentum in the tournament.

Greece looked down and out against Ivory Coast on Tuesday evening before Georgios Samaras struck from the penalty spot in added-on time to help his team reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.

However, the win came at a price as goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis and midfielder Panagiotis Kone both picked up injuries during the game, which leaves them as huge doubts for the showdown in Recife.

Recent form

Costa Rica: WLDWW

Greece: DWLDW

Possible starting lineups

Costa Rica: Navas, Gamboa, Diaz Campbell, Miller, Gonzalez, Duarte, Ruiz, Borges, Campbell, Tejeda Valverde, Brenes

Greece: Glykos, Torosidis, Holebas, Karagounis, Manolas, Papastathopoulos, Salpingidis, Maniatis, Samaras, Samaris, Christodoulopoulos

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Netherlands Vs Mexico

Netherlands go into their last-16 fixture with Mexico having emerged from the group stages as one of four teams who hold a 100% record.

Louis van Gaal's team opened the tournament with a 5-1 success over reigning champions Spain before registering victories over Australia and Chile.

Robin van Persie will return to the starting lineup after missing the Chile game through suspension, but Bruno Martins Indi remains a doubt after suffering concussion earlier in the competition.

Mexico qualified for the knockout stages after scoring three second-half goals to earn a 3-1 victory over Croatia on Monday evening.

That triumph over Croatia was El Tricolor's second win of the tournament, and after keeping a clean sheet against Brazil in their other fixture, Mexico are regarded as an outside tip to reach the semi-finals.

Coach Miguel Herrera will be without Jose Juan Vasquez, who is missing through suspension, so former Fulham man Carlos Salcido could deputise in his place.

Recent form
Netherlands: DWWWWW

Mexico: WLLWDW

Possible starting lineups
Netherlands: Cillessen; Janmaat, Blind, Vlaar, De Vrij; De Guzman, De Jong, Sneijder; Van Persie, Robben, Lens

Mexico: Ochoa; Aguilar, Layun, Marquez, Rodriguez; Moreno, Herrera, Salcido; Dos Santos, Guardado, Peralta

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Colombia Vs Uruguay

South American rivals Colombia and Uruguay will face off for a place in the quarter-finals when they play in the round of 16 on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro.

Colombia have not lost a match since they were beaten by their opponents during qualifying for this tournament last year.

Jose Pekerman rested many of his starters in their final group game against Japan, but James Rodriguez, Mario Yepes and Carlos Carbonero are all in line for a return at the weekend.

Yepes was carrying a hamstring problem earlier in the week, but it is expected that resting the other night will have helped him recover.

Jackson Martinez may hold onto his spot in the starting lineup after netting a brace during the 4-1 win over Japan.

Meanwhile, Uruguay will be without star striker Luis Suarez following his ban for a bite on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini earlier this week.

His absence could see a recall for Diego Forlan, who featured in the team's opening match of the tournament against Costa Rica while Suarez was recovering from knee surgery.

Uruguay otherwise have no fresh injury concerns or suspensions for the match.

Recent form

Colombia: DDWWWW

Uruguay: DWWLWW

Possible starting lineups

Colombia: Ospina, Zuniga, Armero, Sanchez, Zapata, Yepes, Cuadrado, Aguilar, Gutierrez, Rodriguez, Ibarbo

Uruguay: Muslera, Caceres, Lugano, Godin, Pereira, Gargano, Arevalo, Rodriguez, Forlan, Stuani, Cavani

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Brazil Vs Chile

Brazil will be hoping to reach the quarter-finals at their home World Cup when they take on Chile in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.

The host nation came through Group A unbeaten, although were held to a draw by Mexico, and have no players suspended for the knockout stage.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has reported no new injuries for the round of 16, but has insisted that the side will have to improve to beat their South American rivals.

Brazil currently boast the tournament's joint top scorer, with Neymar having found the back of the net four times so far, leaving him level with Argentina's Lionel Messi.

Meanwhile, Chile proved the surprise package in Group B, progressing as runners-up behind the Netherlands in place of defending champions Spain, who finished third.

Like their opponents, Chile kept a clean disciplinary record during their group games to ensure that they have the full squad available to face Brazil.

No leading goalscorer has emerged for Chile yet, with Jean Beausejour, Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Valdivia among those on the scoresheet so far.

Recent form

Brazil: WWWWDW

Chile: LWWWWL

Possible starting lineups

Brazil: Cesar, Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho, Ramires, Gustavo, Oscar, Fred, Neymar

Chile: Bravo, Jara, Silva, Medel, Mena, Aranguiz, Diaz, Isla, Vidal, Vargas, Sanchez

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: South Korea Vs Belgium

South Korea still have slim hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages but will need to beat Group H leaders Belgium in Sao Paulo on Thursday night.

The Asian side have only earned one point so far in the tournament but will qualify for the last 16 if they beat Marc Wilmots's side by more goals than Russia, if they see off Algeria.

Hong Myung-Bo's side will also progress if they beat Belgium by three goals and Algeria and Russia share a draw.

Despite already guaranteeing a place in the last 16, Belgium are not sure to finish top of the group. If they are beaten and Algeria overcome Russia, then the African side will finish in first place.

Wilmots is likely to start Divock Origi ahead of Romelu Lukaku up front after his late winner against Russia on Sunday.

Thomas Vermaelen is also struggling with injury and may have to sit out.
The last time these two sides met was in a friendly 15 years ago when Sandy Martens scored twice for Belgium in a 2-1 win.

Recent form

South Korea: LDLLWL
Belgium: WWWWWD

Possible starting lineups
South Korea: Jung S-R, Yun S-Y, Kim Y-G, Son H-M, Park C-Y, Lee Y, Koo J-C, Han K-Y, Ki S-Y, Lee C-Y, Hong J-H
Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Witsel, Fellaini, De Bruyne; Mertens, Mirallas, Origi

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