Will the hosts advance?

I think that Japan Will be the only one of the host nations to make it through the group stages.
Japan as a footballing nation has progressed a lot over the past years and the NT looks impresive.The influx of both foreign managers and players over the past years seams to have helped them a lot in developing their game...

I think that Japan will advance and Korea will fail...

It's hard to say, but Japan I believe is a better team than South Korea and I also believe they have an easier group. So their chances of advancing are greater than South Korea's . But to answer your question, I don't think either will advance.

I agree with Soccer Star. Japan I think has a better team than South Korea and therefore probably a better chance to progress.

South Korea has a very hard draw with Portugal, Poland and USA, but those other teams might under estimate the home ground advantage.

Japan will have to finish ahead of Belgium and Russia (two quality second tier European sides) and the home ground advantage will make a big impact.

I think Japan have a good enuff squad, easy enuff group and good enuff home support to make to the second round :star:

South Korea simply doesn't have good enuff material to get through to the next round. And their group isn't that easy either.

I think Japan will advance, whether or not they are good enough for the second round is another matter. Its not impossible that Korea could go through but im tipping Poland for second in that group.

King Italy - Japan will have to finish above Russia OR Belgium, not both. I'm sure thats what you meant to say .

I think Japan is good enough for the second round. IMO they are just bellow a second tier European or South American team. The home field advantage will even that difference out. As far as Korea, I have actually seen them playquite a bit in the last year. I have not been impressed at all. The lack scoring punch at this level it will be their downfall. I just don't see them scoring any goals agianst a team like Poland. Although they are organized and hussle all over the field. Without goals there is no way they can make it through or even win a game IMO.

Both teams qualified. Only 1 person got it right and it was me :strong:

So the record of no host being eliminated in the first round continues. Great work by Japan and Korea to earn 7 points each and finish top of their tough groups, particularly Korea. Japan now must face Turkey in the 2nd round and Korea must face Italy.