World Cup Preview: South Korea aim to scale Swiss mountain

South Korea will have to conjure up more of their 2002 magic to pull a last 16 place out of the hat with victory over Switzerland in their Group G crunch match in Hanover on Friday.

A comeback 2-1 win over Togo and a much-acclaimed 1-1 draw with 1998 world champions France could be to no avail because of Switzerland's marginally better goal difference which gives them the luxury of just needing a point from the final group fixture.

If the Koreans lose to the powerful, clockwork-like Swiss and France beat trouble-plagued Togo by two clear goals, the surprise 2002 semifinalists will go out. But a win will see them top the group such are the muddling permutations.

South Korea, who humbled European powerhouses Portugal, Italy and Spain during their glory run four years ago, could still qualify in second place if they draw with Switzerland, but the players are refusing to dream that Togo can achieve a result against the fading, but still flair-filled French.

Other final-day scenarios could result in the drawing of lots to determine whether France or South Korea progress to the second round, but neither side want to rely on lady luck for their World Cup survival.

The first ever encounter between the two countries may develop into a battle of wits between South Korea's coach Dick Advocaat and his opposite number Kobi Kuhn, who have been hailed as tactical genuises for their match-altering substitutions.