Togo clash win or bust, says South Korean Lee

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

LEVERKUSEN, Germany, June 10 (Reuters) Striker Lee Chun-soo believes South Korea must win against Togo on Tuesday to stand any chance of making the last 16.

While coach Dick Advocaat has said nothing will be settled after the first game, Lee thinks the African side have to be beaten in Frankfurt.

Korea face Group G opponents France five days later before ending the first round against Switzerland.

''We must win against Togo to have a chance of advancing,'' the 26-year-old winger told reporters after a public training session at the BayArena.

''All the players want to win for Korea.'' About 500 red-clad Korean fans shouted encouragement and banged drums as the team were put through their paces by Advocaat and assistant coach Pim Verbeek.

''It was good to see the Korean fans in the stadium,'' said Lee, who played a bit-part role under Guus Hiddink in 2002 when they became the first Asian side to reach the semi-finals.

''We were all given a big lift by them.'' TOGO TROUBLES Advocaat, who says his players are fitter than they were four years ago, has given little away concerning his team and formation.

''The coach has not given much indication about the team but I might have a chance to play against Togo,'' said Lee.

''Mr Advocaat has been emphasising sharpness and I must concentrate on a good first touch in the box. I hope I can score.'' Lee, who had an unsuccessful spell in Spain before returning to his roots at Ulsan, is expected to start on the right side of a three-man attack, with Seol Ki-hyeon on the left and Ahn Jung-whan through the middle.

Korea cannot fail to have been encouraged by news Togo were under the control of a new coach today after German-born Otto Pfister quit following a pay row among the squad.

Kodjovi Mawuena, one of his assistants, was elevated to the top job for one match at least.

REUTERS PDS BD2035

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