World Cup 2022 South Korea vs Portugal and Predictions

Group H concludes with Portugal facing South Korea at the Education City Stadium. It kicks off at 15:00.

South Korea were unlucky against Ghana on Monday and having kept a clean sheet against Uruguay in their previous Group H encounter, their defence was all over the place against Ghana. Paulo Bento has implemented a more patient, passing style, however, his team are still struggling to adapt and if Son Heung-Min isn’t at his best, they often struggle to produce the goods in the final third. Despite this, Son has produced 14 crosses so far and Korea’s biggest threat is likely to come from wide areas.

Portugal are already through to the round of 16 and have booked their place in the knock-out rounds. Fernando Santos’ side were very quickly out of the blocks against Uruguay and although it took them a while to break through, they always looked likeliest to break through. Bruno Fernandes has now claimed two assists and two goals and has been instrumental in his side’s success so far.

Portugal are likely to be priced up as odds-on favourites for the majority of their Group H matches and it’s no surprise to see Fernando Santos’ men as the 20/31 favourites with Bwin. South Korea are capable of springing an upset and can be backed at 17/4.

• These two sides came across each other at the 2002 World Cup. South Korea, who were co-hosting on this occasion, were 1-0 winners with Portugal going down to nine men.
• South Korea – South Korea have won just one of their final group games since 2002. Nevertheless, that victory came against Germany in 2018. They’ve produced an xG of 2.6 across their first two matches and look extremely dangerous from wide areas.
• Portugal – It’s the first time since 2008 that Portugal have won more than a single group game at this tournament. Fernando Santos’ side haven’t lost a final group game since 2002 when they were defeated by today’s opponents, South Korea.

Although you could forgive Portugal for putting their feet up and taking it easy in their final Group G match, they will be keen to keep any momentum going and avoid a potential meeting with Brazil in the round of 16. As a result, they should be at their best here and will be looking to end on a high. South Korea have been decent enough, but they struggled at the back against Ghana and won’t find it easy to keep Fernando Santos’ side at arm’s length.

PORTUGAL TO WIN

It’s hard to imagine Portugal not finding a way through here. South Korea kept a clean sheet against Uruguay, however, the South American side offered very little going forward in that game and this is likely to be a greater test. Portugal found it tough against Ghana and aren’t completely convincing at the back.

BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE

Although we expect Portugal to win this contest, they aren’t likely to run away with it. They should take three points, but they may have to settle for a one goal margin. South Korea need to win and will battle throughout the 90 minutes.

PORTUGAL TO WIN BY A ONE GOAL MARGIN

South Korea

South Korea were defeated despite playing well against Ghana and as a result, Paulo Bento is unlikely to make wholesale changes for this final Group H encounter.

Key Player/s: Son Heung-Min, Kim Young-gwon

Team news: Although he clearly isn’t fully fit, Paulo Bento will persist with Son Heung-Min. Cho Gue-Sung caused all sorts of problems for Ghana last time out and is likely to retain his place in the XI.

Predicted Lineup: Kim Syeung-gyu, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Min-Jae, Kim Jin-Su, Kim Moon-hwan, Hwang In-beom, Jung Woo-Young, Kwon Chang-Hoon, Lee Kang-In, Son Heung-Min, Cho Gue-Sung

Portugal

Portugal’s squad depth is impressive and Fernando Santos can afford to make a few changes in this game. He will already have one eye on the round of 16 although he’ll also be looking to avoid a second place finish in Group H.

Key Player/s: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes.

Team news: Nuno Mendes picked up an injury against Uruguay and was forced off before half time. This game is likely to come too soon for him. Fernando Santos must decide whether to start Cristiano Ronaldo in this fixture or whether to keep him fresh for the round of 16.

Predicted Lineup: Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Pepe, Danilo Pereira, Ruben Dias, Ruben Neves, William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix

Portugal are already through, however, they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas here. Although South Korea were the last side to beat them in a third group game at this tournament, it’s hard to see them repeating that trick, although they could easily find the back of the net.

Bet on Portugal to Win and Both Teams to Score