International Friendly: Son Set to Shine in Newcastle

Saudi Arabia vs Korea Republic

Roberto Mancini takes charge of Saudi Arabia for the second time next week when his new team takes on South Korea at St James’ Park. His side lost 3-1 to Costa Rica at the same venue on Friday, and now this International Friendly gives Mancini him a fair chance to open his account.

But his team faces one of the hottest strikers in world football in Heung-Min Son, and the Tottenham striker will take some stopping next Tuesday.

He scored a brilliant hat-trick in Spurs’ 5-2 win over Burnley last week, and the 31-year-old has lost none of his pace and trickery, tormenting the Clarets defence with three world class finishes. Mancini will know all about Son, but his players are not yet Premier League level.

The International Friendly betting odds say Son’s boys can do it, and I’m backing the Spurs star to shine again as he will give football fans his fair share of International Friendly 2023 highlights.

Talking Points

Korea searching for a win

Draws against El Salvador and Wales have been frustrating outcomes for the Koreans, and their main man will be determined to help his team put things right against the Saudis on Tuesday.

As well as scoring a hat-trick against Burnley, Son put in a five-star performance in Spurs’ 2-0 win against Bournemouth the previous week, and he will lead the Koreans at a ground he knows well.

Korea have quality running through their team with FC Bayern centre-back Kim Min Jae marshalling the defence, Mainz midfielder Lee Jae-Sung dictating the pace of play, and Wolves forward Hwang Hee-Chan available to play alongside Son up front.

But they misfired in their friendly against Wales this week as their opponents prepared for a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against Latvia.

As expected, South Korea dominated possession at 61-per cent, but they lost the shot counts by 11 to four and four to one on target. Wales had the better chances and hit the post in the second half, while keeper Kim Seung-Gyu was forced into making a strong save to deny Harry Wilson.

Korea were limited to long-range shots against Wales but, when he has his shooting boots on, Son can score from anywhere.

Mancini is the man for Saudi

Two weeks ago, the Saudi Arabian football federation pulled off a mega deal to bring Italian mastermind Roberto Mancini to the gulf state to manage their national team. The Saudi Pro League has been making waves this summer, and now the oil-rich nation is hoping its internationals can do the same.

Mancini took charge of the Saudi’s against Costa Rica on Friday and watched his side fall to a 3-1 defeat, but he won Euro 2020 as manager of Italy and is ready to take on all comers in the AFC Asian Cup in January.

The Saudis can spring a surprise as they did when they beat Argentina in the World Cup group stages in Qatar and the 58-year-old coach is happy to big up his new players.

“I think the whole world recognises the quality of Saudi players after they shocked everyone by beating Argentina. But after speaking to the Saudi Arabia Football Federation and understanding the impressive work they’ve been doing across all levels of the game, that win doesn’t surprise me as much,” he said.

“There is a lot happening behind the scenes not many people would know about,” added Mancini, who quit as Azzurri boss three weeks ago.

The Saudi Pro League have already made a huge splash in world football, recruiting some big names from the European leagues, and now Mancini aims to take the national team to the next level with the aim of becoming a FIFA Top 20 team in the next decade.

These Saudis think big.

History

Over the past 18 years, these two teams have met eight times and have shared the spoils with two wins each and four draws. And while the head-to-heads are evenly matched, so is the recent form.

Korea are without a win in six since they lost their 2022 World Cup Round of 16 match 4-1 to Brazil, while the Saudis too are on a poor run, beating Yemen 2-0 in January then losing the next five.

Betting Tip

At SBOTOP odds of 3.30, Mancini has a good chance to get his first win at the ground owned by the Saudi Arabians, while he can earn a draw at a price of 3.11.

But while the former Italy boss is a talented tactician, there is little his players will be able to do when they cross the white line to face Son. For a correct scoreline, 2-1 to Korea is priced at 6.76, while if you think they will make a fast start, Korea to be ahead at half-time is available at 2.55.

 

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