The knockout stage of any football tournament is always liable to increase both excitement and anticipation as the winner-take-all nature of the ties means there can be no second chances. Some teams may still insist on caginess over ambition, but eventually even they must conjure up a way of winning. The World Cup is no different. The last-16 provides an opportunity for the contenders to go through the gears and also gives an oppo...More

URUGUAY 2Suarez 8, 80 KOREA REPUBLIC 1 Chung-yong 68 Uruguay defeated Korea Republic 2-1 at a wet Nelson Mandela Bay stadium as they secured a World Cup quarter final place for the first time since 1970. Uruguay were the more solid team but South Korea created numerous opportunities to take the game into extra time. The telling difference was the South Americans’ quality in front of goal which carried them through. Going into to...More

While they might be considered the weakest quartet in the last 16, there isn’t likely to be a lack of drama and passion, and the knock-out stage of the World Cup gets underway. The first game see’s a solid, and free scoring Uruguay take on the battling South Koreans, while the late game see’s United States and Ghana continue their rollercoaster campaigns with plenty on the line. URUGUAY vs. SOUTH KOREA3.00pm –Port Elizabeth Stadiu...More

The Korea Republic ’s goal prior to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was to reach the last 16, and after the final group games on Tuesday, the goal was complete. A thrilling 2-2 draw with Nigeria, coupled with Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Greece saw Huh Jung-Moo’s team qualify from the group in second place, with four points from three games. It was the first time that the Korea Republic have reached this stage of the World C...More

Day 12 saw the first qualifiers for the last 16 decided as Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina and South Korea all successfully reached the second round. Some perhaps more convincingly than others - Uruguay were comfortable throughout their final game defeat of Mexico, who were made to sweat as hosts South Africa looked on their way to a comprehensive victory over France. Argentina had secured their progress after just two games (but for an unli...More

NIGERIA 2 Uche 12, Yakubu (Pen) 69 KOREA REPUBLIC 2 Lee Jung-Soo 38, Park Chu-Yong 49 Korea Republic battled to claim a draw with Nigeria at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban that was enough to qualify them from the group stage. Lee Jung-Soo and Park Chu-Young gave Korea the lead after Kalu Uche’s opener in a back-and-forth match, but Yakubu’s penalty equalised with 21 minutes left. Nigeria , though, wasted opportunities to g...More