The final match of the first round of World Cup group games takes place on Tuesday evening in Cuiaba as Russia take on South Korea in Group H.

Both sides will fancy their chances to progress because of the favourable draw, which sees Belgium and Algeria as the other sides in the pool.

Russia are led by former England manager Fabio Capello and are the current favourites of the remaining three teams to join top-seed Belgium in the knockout stage.

They come into the tournament in solid form, with their last defeat coming almost a year ago against Northern Ireland in a qualifier.

Hong Myung-Bo's South Korea side, meanwhile, enter the finals in poor form having lost four of their last five international friendlies and failing to score in each of those defeats.

Capello is without key midfielder and captain Roman Shirokov, who was ruled out of the tournament just over a week ago.

Shirokov's absence could mean more of an emphasis on the wide areas for Russia, with former Chelsea man Yuri Zhirkov potentially key.

Up front, young striker Aleksandr Kokorin could get the nod ahead of the more experienced Aleksandr Kerzhakov.

Hong has a tough choice on who to start in attack with Park Chu-Young and Kim Shin-Wook vying to lead the line.

These two recently met in a friendly last November, with Russia coming from behind to win 2-1 in Dubai.

Recent form

Russia: WDWWWD

South Korea: LLWLLW

Possible starting lineups

Russia: Akinfeev; Eschenko, Ignashevich, Berezutski, Kombarov; Samedov, Denisov, Faizulin, Zhirkov; Dzagoev; Kokorin

South Korea: Sung-Ryong; Yong, Jeong-Ho, Young-Gwon, Sook-Young; Kook-Young, Sung-Yong, Ja-Cheol, Chung-Yong; Heung-Min; Chu-Young

Sports Mole says: 1-1

Written by
Pascal Lemesre

Previews by email