Something has to give in Ulsan on Wednesday afternoon. Spain and Korea DPR face off at the Complex Stadium in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup Korea 2007, and up to now both sides have won all the games they have played there.

The game
Spain - Korea DPR, Ulsan, Wednesday 29 August, 17:00 (local time)

The stakes
Take a look at Spain's record at this level and their form at Korea 2007 and you will see why they are being widely tipped to progress to the last eight. Moreover, Juan Santisteban's boys have already shown a consumate ability to handle the not inconsiderable pressure of being favourites.

All the same, their stylish play and individual quialities will be put severely to the test by a Korea DPR side that has demonstrated plenty of courage to date and a useful opportunistic streak. And with the tournament hosts out of the competition, the home fans are sure to get behind An Ye Gun's side.

The players
Spain coach Santisteban has no injury or suspension worries ahead of the clash, while his opposite number will have to find a replacement for midfielder O Jin Hyok, who is suspended after picking up a second yellow card against New Zealand.

The past
Wednesday's meeting will be the first between the two sides at a FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Spanish seem to enjoy taking on Asian opposition in this competition, however, winning their last five matches against AFC opposition: 1-0 against Qatar in 1995; 6-0 against Thailand in 1999, 2-1 against Oman in 2001, 3-2 against Korea Republic in 2003 and 2-1 against Syria in last week's Group C encounter.

The Koreans have played European sides twice in the tournament, drawing 1-1 with Italy in 2005, and repeating the scoreline against England in their opening Group B match at Korea 2007.

The birthday boy
Bojan Krkic celebrates his 17th birthday the day before the game and will be hoping for the perfect present come Wednesday: a place in the quarter-finals.

The words
"I saw Korea DPR against England and they seem to be a hardworking side who fight for every ball. They are quick and manage to keep their intensity up pretty much all the time. They may well sit back so they can pressure us in their half. We just need to stick to our game. That's what got us here after all." Fran Merida, Spain midfielder.

"Spain are one of the strongest sides around and have the potential to beat us. That doesn't mean to say we can't beat them, though. If we do win, it will be as much of a surprise for us as it will for them. To do that, though, we need to be mentally stronger than they are." Rim Chol Min, Korea DPR forward.