South Korea Star Reveals Plan To Deal With Ronwen And Pacey Attack

South Korea defender Lee Han-beom has revealed his side's plan to neutralise Ronwen Williams, who he described as having "good kicking and build-up skills", while also outlining how the team will deal with South Africa's pacey attack.

The two sides will go head-to-head on Thursday with a place in the Round of 32 at stake, as both teams enter the final Group A fixture needing a positive result.

Mexico have already secured qualification with six points from two matches, while the Taegeuk Warriors occupy second place with three points. Czechia and South Africa both sit on one point, with goal difference currently separating the European side in third from Bafana Bafana in fourth.

For Hugo Broos' men, victory would lift them onto four points and keep qualification firmly within reach. Depending on the outcome of the Mexico-Czechia clash, Bafana could either secure automatic progression or find themselves in a strong position to advance as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

Despite South Korea knowing that a draw may still leave them with a chance of progressing, Lee insisted there is only one objective inside the camp.

“The players absolutely do not have the mindset that we can settle for a draw against South Africa,” Lee said, per The Chosun Daily.

“There is no complacency, and we are preparing with the determination to win.”

The defender also highlighted the importance of preventing Bafana from comfortably building attacks from the back, with Williams identified as a key component of South Africa's possession game.

“Since the goalkeeper has good kicking and build-up skills, applying pressure upfront will be important,” Lee explained.

Williams has been one of Bafana's most influential players under Broos, often acting as the starting point for attacks with his distribution and composure in possession.

Lee also revealed that South Korea are wary of South Africa's speed in attack, with the likes of Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko and Iqraam Rayners all capable of causing problems in transition.

“Defensively, since the opposing players are fast, we aim to avoid leaving space behind when pushing up the defensive line,” he said.

The defender added that the South Korean squad has also benefited from inside knowledge ahead of the encounter.

Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, who faced Mamelodi Sundowns and several South African internationals at last year's FIFA Club World Cup, reportedly shared his experiences and insights regarding Bafana's build-up play with the rest of the squad during preparations.

With qualification on the line and both nations still dreaming of a place in the knockout rounds, Thursday's showdown promises to be one of the most significant matches in Group A.