> The only previous Olympic encounter between Korea and New Zealand came in 2004, when New Zealand ousted Korea 4-3 in the qualification 5-8.
> Since then the teams have played each other once at the 2005 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup where Korea won 6-4.
> Korea qualified for Beijing 2008 as Asian Games Champions.
> New Zealand earned their ticket to Beijing 2008 by winning the Olympic qualification tournament in North Shore, New Zealand, beating Argentina 3-2 AET in the final.
> This will be the 10th Olympic participation for the New Zealand men's team. Their best result came in 1976 when they became Olympic Champions beating Australia 1-0 in the final.
> Korea will make their 5th Olympics appearance, their best result being a silver medal in 2000.
> Korean defender Kim Yong-Bae was also present at the last three Olympic Games (1996, 2000 and 2004).
> New Zealand's Blair Hopping will celebrate his 28th birthday one day after the match.