Korea Republic keep Greece waiting

Greece began their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Korea Republic in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

The UEFA EURO 2004 winners were undone by an early effort from Lee Jung-Soo and a further strike from captain Park Ji-Sung shortly after half-time. The two-goal victory has given the Asian representatives the early ascendency in Group B above Argentina, who defeated Nigeria 1-0. Greece – yet to score or register a point at a World Cup finals – will look to get their tournament back on track against Nigeria on Thursday, when South Korea face Argentina.

Seven minutes had elapsed when Greece fell behind, central defender Lee ghosting in at the back post to volley in Ki Sung-Yong's free-kick. Park Chu-Young went close to doubling that advantage on two occasions, the second of which came courtesy of a swift counterattack that was denied the perfect ending by Alexandros Tzorvas's sprawling save.

Greece, who reached the finals in South Africa thanks to a play-off victory against Ukraine, offered little in attack and proved their own worst enemies seven minutes into the second period. Loukas Vintra received possession midway inside his own half but a heavy first touch allowed Park Ji-Sung to steal in and the Manchester United FC midfielder needed no second invitation to stride clear and finish calmly past Tzorvas.

Park Chu-Young had a third opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet on 63 minutes but, unmarked barely five metres out, he could only head Cha Du-Ri's cross over the bar.

Otto Rehhagel's men finally threatened with nine minutes left when Fanis Gekas, top scorer in European qualifying, turned smartly and unleashed a rasping shot which was turned behind by Jung Sung-Ryong. South Korea had one final chance to rubber-stamp the win but Lee Chung-Yong was kept out by Tzorvas.