Though the South Koreans have been the more consistent team throughout the tournament, Japan’s stirring 3-2 victory over Qatar will give them momentum and belief heading into this match.
Importantly for Italian manager Alberto Zaccheroni, Borussia Dortmund starlet Shinji Kagawa burst into life with two goals and a match-winning display after coming under scrutiny for his slow start to the campaign.
He brings an X-Factor that could inspire the Samurai Blue to win the tournament, though South Korea similarly have plenty of enthusiastic young talents to call upon.
Among them, Koo Ja-Cheol has been the most impressive with his haul of four goals, while Yoon Bit-Garam came off the bench against Iran to net a stunning winner in extra time.
His impact highlights the depth that Cho Kwang-Rae possesses in his squad, particularly in attack. Expect Yoon and Hamburg prodigy Song Heung-Min to be used as super-subs against the Japanese.
The former Gyeongnam manager had previously come under criticism from fans in the aftermath of Korea’s successful World Cup campaign, though has won them over with his team’s performances in Qatar.
He’ll be hoping Bolton Wanderers winger Lee Chung-Yong and captain Park Ji-Sung lead by example, with the latter set to make his 100th appearance for the national team.
There’s no questioning the pedigree of these two sides going forward but in defence they look far less assured.
Korea were unsettled by Australia’s more direct and physical approach during the group stages though Japan are unlikely to provide such a test; the absence of experienced centre-back Lee Jung-Soo gives Cho a selection headache, however.
Japan seem far more susceptible at the back, starting with goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who was at fault for both of Qatar’s goals during that thrilling semi final victory.
The reliable Maya Yoshida is meanwhile suspended after his questionable sending off and the versatile Masahiko Inoha should take his place, after filling in at right back for Atsuto Uchida against Qatar.
Also adding to the rivalry between these two sides is the presence of Italian manager Zaccheroni, who will no doubt be familiar with the colourful history between his native country and the Koreans on the football pitch.
These are two teams who were anointed pre-tournament favourites and whilst neither has hit top gear during the tournament, they have steadily improved and shown flashes of brilliance as teams and individuals.
TEAM NEWS
Japan
Yoshida’s suspension means Inoha will fill in at centre-back alongside Yasuyuki Konno while right-back Atsuto Uchida returns from suspension and will slot in at right-back.
Possible starting XI: Kawashima; Uchida, Konno, Inoha, Nagatomo; Endo, Hasebe; Okazaki, Honda, Kagawa; Maeda
South Korea
The suspension to Lee Jung-Soo means Cho Yong-Hyung will likely replace him. Defender Lee Young-Pyo and midfielder Lee Yong-Rae aren’t in the best physical shape after putting in hard shifts against Iran, though there’s no indication they’ll miss this match as a result.
Possible starting XI: Sung-Ryong; Du-Ri, Jae-Won, Yong-Hyung, Young-Pyo; Sung-Yeung, Yong-Rae; Chung-Yong, Ji-Sung, Ja-Cheol; Dong-Won
Prediction
This has penalties written all over it. There really isn't much to choose between these two teams and while Japan are slightly weaker at the back, the South Koreans have shown they aren't the type to test Kawashima from range. Though these two sides are capable of attractive football, this could be a cagey contest much like the one we saw in Seoul in October.
Japan 0-0 South Korea 
