WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SATURDAY 26 JUNE

URUGUAY v SOUTH KOREA

The opening match of the last 16, and a fascinating one. South American teams were unbeaten in this World Cup up until last night when Chile lost. Japan and South Korea have both made it through to the second round from Asia, and both have impressed. Asian football is certainly on the rise, and it may only be two or three more World Cups until they become serious contenders.

Uruguay can point to history - but it's all a very long time ago for them. Victory today would see them through to the quarter-finals for the first time in 40 years, and back in 1970 they ended up as losing semi-finalists.

I can't imagine that either side will run away with this one. In fact, my gut says this is going all the way.

MATCH PREDICTION: Uruguay 1-1 South Korea (after extra time)

The Koreans will take the lead but get pegged back. And the two-time winners Uruguay will edge through 4-3 on penalties.

USA v GHANA

The only surviving African team in the competition - will that act as a spur or a burden for Ghana? The USA scraped through with a goal at the death against Algeria - could that be a launching pad for a decent run?

I find this a very difficult one to call. Neither side has the best defence so there could be goals.

MATCH PREDICTION: USA 3-2 GHANA

The States to just edge it and head into the quarters.

PARK JI-SUNG LEADING BY EXAMPLE

South Korea's World Cup is up and running with gusto, and captain Park Ji-Sung is leading by example.

The Manchester United star has grown in stature over the five years he has spent in England and is fast becoming a veteran of World Cup football.

His superbly taken goal against Greece on Saturday was his third goal at World Cup Finals, and each have been scored in separate tournaments.

In 2002 Park sent the Korean nation delirious when he struck the winner against Portugal in the final group game that confirmed the then-Host nation as group winners and put them into the knock-out stages of the World Cup for the first time ever.

Four years ago in Germany Park popped up with a late equalizer in Korea's second match with France that kept alive their hopes of qualifying in that tournament, and now, following his strike against Greece in what was his 89th international appearance, Park joins a select group of players who have scored in three different tournaments.

South Korea have one foot in the second round again and are now preparing for Argentina on Thursday. The two countries met in the first group match of the 1986 World Cup when the South Americans emerged as 3-1 winners and went on the win the tournament.

On two other occasions South Korea have faced South American opposition at the World Cup. In 1990 they lost 1-0 to Uruguay in their final group match and in 1994 played out a 0-0 draw with Bolivia.

Confidence is high amongst the players following yesterday's sparkling display and they will provide a stern test for Argentina in Johannesburg on Thursday in a game which could decide who wins Group B.