Two consecutive defeats have left the host nation staring at an early exit. To salvage the situation they must beat Togo and pray for goal difference to take them through as one of the four best third-placed sides. Things are nowhere near as desperate for the Africans. A win will definitely see them home and even a draw may be enough if results go their way elsewhere.

The game
Korea Republic - Togo, Jeju, Friday 24 August, 20:00 (local time)

The stakes
Korea Republic dominated most of their second match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007 only to succumb to a lethal combination of fatigue and rapid Costa Rican counterattacks. That 2-0 defeat has them firmly against the ropes. Will Togo, fresh from a tight goalless draw against Peru, land the knockout blow in Jeju on Friday?

The players
Hearteningly for the overly obliging hosts, central defender Han Yong Su will be back in action after his red card against Peru, ensuring that both sides are at full strength for this decisive Group A clash.

The past
The only ever meeting between the two nations came at Germany 2006 when the Koreans prevailed 2-1. They have never met before at U-17 level.

The words
"We have dominated the two games we've played so far but we've missed a lot of chances. I'm hopeful we can find our rhythm this time as we are playing at eight o'clock. Our other games were at five in the afternoon, so it shouldn't be as hot." Paul Sauter, Togo coach.

"Togo are very strong physically, technically and tactically, so they're definitely going to be tough to beat. We know we simply have to win this game somehow and we're determined to do it and qualify." Kyon Hoon Park, Korea Republic coach.