Belgium, hit by injuries, gives 4 World Cup newcomers chance against South Korea

Belgium's head coach Marc Wilmots watches his players during an official training session the day before the group H World Cup soccer match between South Korea and Belgium at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) (The Associated Press)

SAO PAULO – Belgium is making several changes to its lineup, with four players getting their first taste of the World Cup in a game against South Korea, which made two changes.

Belgium is already through to the second round but will seek at least a draw against South Korea to be sure to win Group H and avoid Germany in the second round and instead play the United States.

South Korea only has an outside chance to advance and replaced goalie Jung Sung-ryong with Kim Seung-gyu. It also benched striker Park Chu-young for Kim Shin-wook.

Belgium kept injured captain Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen out of the team and sidelined yellow-carded Toby Alderweireld and Axel Witsel to make sure they are not suspended for the second round. Playmaker Eden Hazard was also benched.

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Lineups:

South Korea: Kim Seung-gyu, Lee Yong, Yun Suk-young, Kim Young-kwon, Hong Jeong-ho, Ki Sung-yeung, Han Kook-young, Son Heung-min, Lee Chung-yong, Koo Ja-cheol, Kim Shin-wook.

Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Anthony Vanden Borre, Daniel Van Buyten, Nicolas Lombaerts, Jan Vertonghen; Marouane Fellaini, Steven Defour, Moussa Dembele; Dries Mertens, Kevin Mirallas, Adnan Januzaj.