Russia are likely to be the quiet second team in their group. With Belgium the one expected to dominate the headlines in Group H, the Russians are likely to glide under the radar to the knockout stages.
South Korea are one of the lowest ranked sides in the tournament and will have a mountain of morale to climb after being defeated by Tunisia and Ghana in their two warm-up friendlies before the World Cup.
Captain Roman Shirokov was forced to remove himself from the Russian first team due to a major back injury prior to the tournament and he will be missed in terms of veteran leadership on the pitch for Fabio Capello's side.
The experience and foundation of the Russian defense is likely to be their key to making a run to the knockout stages, as their is much talent in attack but their veterans at the back are expected to be their most important role players.
South Korea need to come out attacking early and often if they want to have a chance of getting past a Russian side that is much deeper in talent than their own.
Son Heung-Min will be the primary man to watch for the Koreans while Arsenal forward Park Chu-Young should lead the line for his country, whom may make up in experience what they lack in talent.
Russia Starting XI: Akinfeev: Eshchenkco, Berezoutski, Ignashevitch, Kombarov; Fayzulin, Denisov, Shatov; Samedov, Kokorin, Zhirkov.
South Korea Starting XI: Sung-Ryong: Yong, Jeong-Ho, Young-Gwon, Suk-Young; Kook-Young, Sung-Yueng; Chung-Yong, Ja-Cheol, Heung-Min; Chu-Young.
