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A victory for either side could give them the chance to advance, but Germany is the favourite to advance alongside Mexico. Joachim Low suffered a rude shock after his team lost to the Central Americans. It looked as if they would be experiencing the same fate as Spain, who was the 2010 World Cup Champions but knocked out in the group stage in the subsequent competition. Before the talk about Germany retaining their title goes on, they would have to first focus on progressing to the next round.
Die Mannschaft 2-1 victory over Sweden did not look particularly convincing. Even though the team created many chances throughout the 90 minutes, they were largely unable to make use of them and be lethal in front of the goal.
As for South Korea, the midfielders tried their best to string a number of good passes in the game but their efforts were proven futile. Shin's men had been lacking accuracy and had troubles controlling the ball whenever they tried to advance into their opponent's half.
Even though both sides are lacking in confidence, the notion of having to win the match could propel either side to a victory. Here is a look at the 5 players from both teams who could have a huge role in deciding the result of the match.
#5 Cho Hyun-woo
South Korea's first choice goalkeeper in the competition has made quite a name for himself and attracted attention from European clubs. After his impressive performances against Sweden and Mexico, he is expected to start against the 2014 World Cup Champions. Although he does not have many international experiences, it has to be admitted that Hyun-woo has done pretty well when he ought to.
Germany had struggled in front of the goal in the last two matches. In order not to be eliminated from the group stage, Toni Kroos aided his team to the last minute winner against Sweden. The Germans are expected to dominate possession as they did previously and create plenty of chances for themselves.
In both matches, the South Korea keeper has proven that he is confident on the ball and in coming out to claim it when necessary. Despite not keeping any clean sheets in the tournament thus far, the Asians could have easily conceded far more goals if not for Cho. He has a huge responsibility in deciding the result of the match and it is of utmost importance that the Taeguk Warriors do not concede early.
#4 Toni Kroos
Germany is still in contention for the Round of 16 all thanks to this man. The midfielder has been extremely vital in his nation's victory over Sweden. Without any doubt, Kroos is expected to start in the midfield as he has been recognized as the new leader of the team.
The 28-year-old is known to be capable of creating many chances for both his club and country. In the upcoming match against South Korea, it is certain that he will be doing the same. With a pass accuracy of 93%, the German easily controls the midfield. South Korea has been extremely poor with their passing and crossing. As such, Kroos and the rest of his team-mates could pounce on their loose balls and spark an attack in their opponent's half with much ease.
On the international stage, the Real Madrid midfielder has scored 13 goals and created 15 assists in 85 appearances since 2010. There are high expectations of him and Joachim Low could set up his team based on Kroos' strengths and weaknesses. It will be a great opportunity for the central midfielder to control the game and make sure that his side secures a convincing win.
#3 Marco Reus
Reus was restored to the starting eleven after Low chose to drop under-fire Mesut Ozil in the Sweden game. The Dortmund midfielder went on to score a goal and provided an assist for Kroos. With fans lacking confidence in Ozil and the Arsenal man unable to help out much in terms of defence, Reus could once against start against South Korea.
The 29-year-old had put up a stunning performance against the European opponents in the Group. If he does so against the Asians, Shin Tae-yong's men may have trouble handling him. The Korean midfielders will be forced to throw bodies into defending and could possibly give away multiple set-pieces in dangerous areas. That would give Die Mannschaft the opportunity to get forward and threaten the goalkeeper.
Reus is particularly strong with his passing and dribbling skills. As seen in the most recent match that the Germans have played, his intricate movements often leave the defenders helpless. He could possibly be the key man who will bring his nation to the next round of the World Cup.
#2 Timo Werner
After two matches, the 22-year-old has yet to find the net. Before the competition began, the striker was tipped to have a huge impact on the result of Germany's matches. His prolific goalscoring capability in Bundesliga seemed to have dwindled in this World Cup.
In the horrifying defeat to Mexico, Werner had so little impact on the game that he was almost ''invisible''. Throughout the match, he had just 29 touches on the ball and was present largely only in the beginning stages of the match. The change came when Low decided to ask Werner to play as a left-winger halfway through the match against Sweden.
At once, the RB Leipzig player seemed to find his best playing position alongside his team-mates. He became far more effective and involved in Germany's victory over Sweden and troubled the defenders a lot more. One of the takeaways for Low is certainly discovering Werner's possible best-playing position. If he could replicate what he has done in the earlier match in tonight's game, South Korea could be in for lots of trouble and have a hard time.
#1 Son Heung-min
His goal against the Mexicans did not help much. As South Korean President Moon Jae-in watched on, Son was unable to guide his side to secure at least a point from their first two matches. His name is not foreign to the Germans who know of his knack for scoring in the Premier League. On the international level, the central forward has scored 22 goals in 65 appearances. The defenders would know of his abilities as one of the leading goalscorers of South Korea, and the midfielders would try their very best to limit the space that Son has on the pitch.
If South Korea can beat their opponents by more than two goals, it will give them a great opportunity to qualify for the Round of 16 should Sweden lose to Mexico. For the last two games, the Asians did not look close to scoring. On both occasions, they struggled to get the ball to their forwards and into the right scoring positions. In the imminent fixture, the situation will hopefully improve for them.
The Germans are considerably strong with their passing. In order to have a chance against Manuel Neuer and Germany's vulnerable defence, Shin's men would have to play like Mexico. The Central Americans had been extremely effective on their counter-attacks and utilized every chance they had to inflict damage on the Germans.
The Tottenham forward adds lots of pace in his game especially when he plays in a more central role. As long as he charges straight into his opponent's half and holds on to the ball, his side can have a decent chance of moving forward exert pressure on Low's team. Son has often been the saviour of his nation. In times like this, where qualification is all that matters, the 25-year-old has to do everything possible to make things work for his side.
