Five S. Korean players South Africa must stop ahead of Thursday's decider

With Thursday's decisive Group A clash against South Korea approaching, South Africa has identified five players its side must stop: Kim Min-jae, Lee Jae-sung, Lee Kang-in, Hwang Hee-chan and Jens Cajuste.

South African outlet The South African described South Korea as "far from an easy opponent," citing the country's consistent World Cup performances and a squad stacked with stars from Europe's top leagues.

The outlet pointed to South Korea's semifinal run at the 2002 FIFA World Cup on home soil and its round-of-16 finish as group runners-up at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. It called the Taeguk Warriors "an Asian powerhouse with a significant World Cup tradition — and exactly why South Africa must be wary."

On Kim Min-jae, flagged as the defensive cornerstone, the outlet said he is "a leader with strength and vast experience" who "could pose a major threat to South Africa's attack and at set pieces."

Lee Jae-sung, described as "the engine of the midfield," was rated "the most influential player in the South Korean squad," while Lee Kang-in was called "one of the best talents in Asia," with the outlet noting that "the midfield battle could prove to be the turning point of the match."

The outlet also noted that while captain Son Heung-min would draw most of the attention, "Hwang Hee-chan could be the most dangerous threat for South Africa." It added that Cajuste — with his pace, tireless work rate and precise crossing — would be "a constant burden for South Africa's fullbacks."

South Korea, who lost to Mexico in their second group game, sit second in Group A with three points from one win and one loss. A draw against South Africa on Thursday would be enough to advance to the round of 32. South Africa, with one draw and one loss, are level on one point with the Czech Republic but sit fourth in the group on goal difference.