이영표, 한국-알제리전 예측 내용 공개

Published : Jun 19, 2014 - 11:20 Updated : Jun 19, 2014 - 15:53

이영표 KBS 해설위원이 연일 ‘신들린’ 경기 예측으로 화제를 모으고 있는 가운데, 알제리전에 대한 언급에도 관심이 쏠렸다.

스페인은 18일 오전 4시(이하 한국시간) 브라질 리우 데 자네이루의 에스타디오 두 마라카낭에서 열린 칠레와의 ‘2014 브라질 월드컵’ B조(스페인-칠레-호주-네덜란드) 조별예선 2차전에서 0-2로 패배해 16강 진출이 좌절됐다.

예상치 못한 칠레전의 결과에 대한 이영표의 예언이 다시 화제가 됐다. 이영표는 지난달 23일 방송된 KBS2TV ‘따봉 월드컵’에 출연해 스페인의 몰락을 예측했다. 당시 스페인-칠레전에 대해 “칠레가 6대4정도로 이길 가능성이 높다”고 말했던 것.

이에 한국과 알제리 경기를 앞두고 또다시 이영표의 ‘촉’에 시선이 집중됐다. 이영표는 지난 18일 대한민국 러시아 경기가 끝난 뒤 “우리가 벨기에와 알제리 경기에서 확인한 것은 알제리가 만만한 팀 아니라는 것이다”면서도 “오늘 경기처럼 알제리와 한다면 이길 수 있다”고 전망했다.

누리꾼들은 “이영표 말대로 러시아전처럼만 하면 승산 있다”, “이영표 예언, 정말 작두 탈 수준이다”, “이영표 예언, 티키타카의 몰락을 예측하다니 대단하다”, “이영표 예언 화제되니 부담스럽겠다”는 등의 반응을 보였다. (onlinenews@heraldcorp.com)

<관련 영문 기사>

Korea braces for crucial match with Algeria

After playing Russia to a 1-1 draw to open Group H action at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, South Korea returned to its Brazilian base camp of Foz do Iguacu on Wednesday.

South Korea blew a 1-0 second-half lead against Russia in Cuiaba on Tuesday but walked away with a point with two matches remaining.

South Korea, coached by Hong Myung-bo, will face Algeria in Porto Alegre, about 600 kilometers east of the base camp, on Sunday. The group finale will be against Belgium in Sao Paulo, some 850 kilometers northeast of Foz do Iguacu.

Before the South Korea-Russia clash, Belgium defeated Algeria, 2-1, to assume the early lead in the group.

In Wednesday's session, those who took the field against Russia stretched for about 20 minutes and did some light jogging at Pedro Basso Stadium. Those who stayed on the bench had passing drills and played two-on-two matches in the penalty area.

The practice was held in chilly conditions with the temperature around 18 degrees Celsius (64.4 degrees Fahrenheit), and a few players donned long-sleeve shirts.

The cool conditions might well have prepared the South Koreans for the match in Porto Alegre, where the average high around this time of the year hovers around 15 degrees Celsius.

South Korea had a disappointing buildup to the World Cup, losing two consecutive friendly matches without scoring a goal. Yet after a spirited draw Tuesday, South Korea is still alive in the tournament.

Algeria scored first against Belgium before conceding two second-half goals. A loss to South Korea would eliminate Algeria.

Even though they gave up the equalizer only six minutes after getting on the board, South Korean players said the match against Russia was a major boost to their confidence and that they felt Algeria is beatable.

After Wednesday's practice, team captain Koo Ja-cheol said the Algerian match was essentially a "must-win" situation for South Korea.

"We have to defeat them to get to the round of 16," the midfielder said. "We'll concentrate on doing whatever it takes to win."

Goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong, playing in his second consecutive World Cup, said South Korea should be wary of Algerian players' deft footwork, sharp shooting and accurate passing.

South Korea held an edge over Russia in ball possession and passing accuracy but it didn't translate into more shots on goal.

The team's defense also left room for improvement, and the backs will have their work cut out against the speedy and skillful Algerians. (Yonhap)