South Korea say they are fully alive to the risk they face from Russia in dead ball situations in Tuesday's World Cup Group H game in Cuiaba.
"The Russians are a lot taller than we are," Korean captain Koo Ja-Cheol told the pre-match press conference at the Arena Pantanal on Monday. "We've taken that into consideration. If it happens on the pitch we know what to do, how to defend ourselves against it – the main thing is to focus on our concentration."
The 2002 World Cup semi-finalists go into this opening game under a cloud, a 4-0 drubbing by fellow finalists Ghana on top of a 1-0 loss to Tunisia hardly the best way to boost morale.
But Koo says those defeats are behind them, and they are in an optimistic frame of mind.
"Up to now our preparation hasn't been easy, but we know what we have to do, we've learnt our lesson."
The only previous encounter between the two sides ended in a 2-1 friendly loss to the Koreans in Dubai last November.
Hong, who skippered Korea at the 2002 World Cup, reflected: "The Russian team was very different in Dubai, and although we lost we played a good game."
Asked whether he regarded Russia as favourites Hong replied: "They've got a world famous coach (Fabio Capello) as their leader but despite that I don't consider us to be underdogs. Both teams have an equal chance."
On his team's worrying goal drought he said: "Up until now they've made a lot of effort but not scored, that's true. I look forward to making goals tomorrow."
And as for the youthful nature of the 2014 Korean side Hong commented: "Our players are very young, very energetic, but compared to their youth they don't reach rash judgements, they make wise decisions.
"Our player will lead the future of Korean soccer, they are the future."
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Russia (4-2-3-1)
Akinfeev; Eshchenko, Berezutski, Ignashevich, Kombarov; Fayzulin, Samedov; Shatov, Dzagoev, Zhirkov; Kokorin.
South Korea (4-2-3-1)
Sung-ryung; Yong, Jeong-ho, Yong-gwon, Sukyuong; Kook-yuong, Sung-yueng; Chung-yong, Ja-cheoi, Heung-min; Chu-young.
PREDICTION
This will not be a walkover by any means but Russia’s power should see them edge a fairly close game, 2-1.
