Korea Republic vs Colombia
After their disappointing quarter-final exit in this year’s Asian Cup, Korea Republic got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory in their most recent international friendly against Bolivia. The Taeguk Warriors needed an 86th-minute winner from substitute Lee Chung-Yong to triumph over La Verde in front of their home crowd.
The Koreans now have a much tougher test coming up as they face off against another South American side in Colombia. Los Cafeteros are coming off an encouraging 1-0 win over Japan in Yokohama thanks to a Radamel Falcao penalty in Carlos Quieroz’s first match as Colombia manager.
Another victory over a major Asian power would be quite the achievement for Quieroz, who took over in February following Jose Pekerman’s departure after the World Cup. But as the international friendly 2019 betting odds bear out, that will be easier said than done, especially in Seoul.
Talking Points
Korea must cope with Son struggling
Korea Republic took an important step toward putting their unfortunate Asian Cup run behind them with a 1-0 win over Bolivia in Ulsan. Although they only got their goal in the 86th minute, they did have 70 percent of possession and created 21 shots.
Somewhat worryingly, though, the Koreans were only able to get four of those 21 shots on target. Star forward Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur was responsible for wasting a number of those opportunities for the Taeguk Warriors.
After going on a strong goal-scoring run following his return from the Asian Cup, Son has been on a bit of a slump of late. He has now gone scoreless in each of his last six appearances in all competitions for club and country. That’s not a promising sign, especially given the team’s reliance on the Spurs star to spearhead their attack.
It’s hard to see the Koreans once again dominating the ball as much against Colombia as they did against Bolivia. That’s why it’s all the more important for Son and his supporting cast to make the most of their chances against the Colombians, who have the attacking talent that can do some serious damage.
Carlos Quieroz’s Colombia look to build momentum
Carlos Quieroz couldn’t have asked for a better start to his stint as Colombia manager as his side got a 1-0 win over Asian giants Japan in his debut match. After a rocky first 45 minutes, the Colombians looked much more comfortable in Quieroz’s system in the second half as they eventually stamped their class over the hosts.
Colombia got the decisive goal after a Takehiro Tomiyasu handball gave star striker Falcao the opportunity to dispatch from the penalty spot. They put the ball in the net two more times in the second half, but Falcao was called for handball while Luis Muriel was flagged for offside.
The Colombians are now unbeaten in their last five matches (four wins and a draw) since their crushing defeat to England on penalties in the round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup.
Quieroz fielded a star-studded side against Japan as the likes of Falcao, James Rodriguez, Muriel, and Davinson Sanchez all featured in the win. James’ club future for next season remains in doubt, but the talented playmaker figures to remain an integral part of the Colombia setup under Quieroz.
After a positive opening match, Quieroz will definitely be eager to boost Colombia’s international friendly 2019 results under his guidance in Seoul.
History
Colombia and Korea Republic have not crossed paths often in international play. In fact, they’ve faced off just six times overall — all friendlies — with the Koreans winning three of the six matchups. Colombia have won just once, with two draws.
The Koreans came up on top in their most recent meeting in 2017. Son Heung-min scored twice to give Korea Republic a 2-1 win on home soil. The Koreans will certainly be hoping Son can overcome his recent struggles and recreate that sort of magic once again in Seoul.
Betting Tip
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Korea Republic vs Colombia | Colombia Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.06 |
| March 26, 19:00 (GMT+8) |
SBOBET odds have Korea installed as slight underdogs at home against Colombia, which shouldn’t be that surprising. The Colombians, currently ranked No. 15 in the world, have tremendous world-class attacking players with the likes of James, Falcao, and Muriel, who are all capable of unlocking any opponent’s defence.
Meanwhile, Son’s poor form in front of goal is obviously a concern given that he’s the Taeguk Warriors’ most consistent source of goals. If he’s still not firing, it will be tough to see the Koreans covering the handicap.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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