Nigeria and Korea Republic will look to book a spot in the knockout rounds when the two sides meet on Thursday in the final group match of the U-20 World Cup 2013.
Korea Republic currently sits in second place in Group B with four points and has clinched one of the top three spots in the group. The top two teams automatically qualify for the knockout rounds while the third place team can also qualify if it is among the top four. With a draw South Korea will automatically gain at least one of the top two spots in Group B. A victory could earn them first place.
Nigeria faces a bigger dilemma. The Africans are currently the top third place team but they are tied with two other teams in points and only lead the sixth third place team by two points. A loss would potentially eliminate them if four of the other five results do not turn out in their favor. A win would clinch a top two spot in the group, while a draw would put them in the hands of fate.
"It's been a good tournament, but the fact is I've missed too many chances up to now," the stern-faced No10 told FIFA.com. "We've created a lot of chances, and I'm hoping that the goals will start to come thick and fast from now on."
"The most important thing is that we're playing as a team," Nigeria's Abdul Ajagun told FIFA.com about his team's play. "Everyone is helping each other and when someone makes a mistake we try to get them up. I keep saying we need to reach for the top. That's the only way we'll score more goals."
Prediction: The two sides battle to a 2-2 draw.
Start Time: 11 AM EST
TV: The match will not be televised in the USA.
Follow live score on FIFA.com HERE.
Watch Live Stream on ESPN3 HERE.
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