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KWANGJU, South Korea, Friday (Reuters) - All-conquering South Korea will cross swords with a Spanish side equally intent on making history on Saturday in a World Cup quarter-final that will be a test of nerves for all concerned.

European favourites Portugal and Italy have already fallen victim to the strength, stamina and skill of a South Korean side living the sort of World Cup adventure that before the tournament would have seemed a wild fantasy.

The co-hosts had not won a World Cup match in five previous appearances. Yet three wins and one draw later they find themselves two matches away from the final.

For Spain, Saturday will provide a fourth opportunity to win a quarter-final, after defeats to Italy in 1934 and 1994 and to Belgium in 1986.

Spain, the great under-achievers of the international game, have looked as good as they ever have done in this tournament, scoring nine goals in three wins in the group stage and then edging past Ireland on a penalty shootout after the second round match finished 1-1 after extra-time.

With leading striker Raul extremely doubtful with a groin injury, though, South Korea - backed by a near-hysterical crowd - will feel there is room in this Cup for at least one more upset.

"I hope the result comes from playing attractive football," South Korea's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink said. "I like to have grip on the opponent, and from there on, I like to take the initiative."

Against Italy in the second round the co-hosts managed to get a grip only in the second half before grabbing an equaliser two minutes from time. They then downed the Italians with a golden goal four minutes from the end of extra time.

Hiddink is not reading too much into reports on Raul's injury.

"Most of the time those top players want to play the big games so he might be fit in time," Hiddink said. "In any case, Spain have some good attacking midfielders as substitutes."

DRAINING VICTORY

South Korean hopes of continuing in the competition may come down to how well they recover from a victory over Italy that was physically and emotionally draining.

Defender Kim Tae-young sustained a broken nose in that game while defensive midfielder Kim Nam-il twisted his ankle. Both are doubtful for a game against Spanish side that have had two extra days to prepare.

Spanish coach Jose Antonio Camacho has used much of that time drilling into his players the need to keep possession after a ragged performance against the Irish.

"We have to move the ball around and take advantage of our opportunities," Camacho said. "Korea as a team are all over you. They're always looking to take the ball from you."

Spain could field three players who will remember the Koreans from the last time the two teams met in the World Cup in 1994.

Luis Enrique, Fernando Hierro and Miguel Angel Nadal were all part of a side that were shocked as South Korea found reserves of strength from somewhere in the searing Dallas heat to score twice in the last five minutes and earn a 2-2 draw.

Spain managed their best World Cup performance in 10 previous attempts back in 1950, when they finished fourth in a final group stage without the need to play a quarter-final.

Probable teams:

Spain (4-4-2): 1-Iker Casillas; 5-Carles Puyol, 6-Fernando Hierro, 4-Ivan Helguera, 3-Juanfran; 21-Luis Enrique, 8-Ruben Baraja, 16-Gaizka Mendieta, 11-Javi de Pedro; Juan Carlos Valeron, 17-Fernando Morientes

South Korea (4-4-2): 1-Lee Woon-jae; 22-Song Chong-gug, 4-Choi Jin-cheul, 20-Hong Myung-bo, 7-Kim Tae-young; 21-Park Ji-sung, 6-Yoo Sang-chul, 5-Kim Nam-il, 10-Lee Young-pyo; 19-Ahn Jung-hwan, 9-Seol Ki-hyeon

Match referee: Gamal Ghandour (Egypt)

Linesemen: Ali Tomusange (Uganda)

Michael Ragoonath (Trinidad). 

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