World Cup 2022: Son’s Time to Shine as Korea Face Early KO

Portugal vs Korea Republic

Korea Republic are in danger of crashing out of the World Cup group stage for the third time in a row. They head into their Group H finale against Portugal needing a win to stand any chance of making it through to the World Cup 2022 round of 16.

The Taeguk Warriors will be without Portuguese head coach Paulo Bento for their crucial showdown against the Selecao as he was sent off after the final whistle in their loss to Ghana.

But Korea Republic’s World Cup 2022 betting odds of winning could still be handed a boost with the possibility that Portugal might rest some of their key stars since they have already qualified for the knockout round.

Talking Points

Koreans need Son to come good with Bento banned

Korea Republic are close to another early World Cup exit. After their 3-2 defeat to Ghana, they remain third in Group H with just one point from two games.

After a disastrous first half, the Taeguk Warriors showed a lot of resilience to come back from two goals down against Ghana. Cho Gue-Sung, who started at centre-forward ahead of the more experienced Hwang Ui-jo, was tremendous as he had six shots and scored a couple of headers in just three minutes to tie up the score at 2-2.

The Koreans’ attack was much improved from their disappointing draw against Uruguay following Cho’s inclusion, and he has almost certainly done enough to earn another start.

However, the Korean defence was unable to hold as they conceded the third goal that has them facing a must-win situation against Portugal.

Getting that win will be made much more difficult without their Portuguese head coach Paulo Bento, who will be suspended after getting sent off for his fiery outburst at the referee after the Ghana defeat.

Without their coach, it will be up to captain Son Heung-min to rally the troops for this crucial match. However, the pressure will be very much on Son, who has failed to shine since returning from his facial fracture. He has just three shots and no goals in his first two games, and the Koreans will need him to finally produce some World Cup 2022 highlights against Portugal.

Portugal possibly set to rest stars

Portugal are one of just three nations (France and Brazil) who have won their first two World Cup 2022 games, which means they have already qualified for the round of 16.

Bruno Fernandes has been absolutely brilliant thus far and has been instrumental in both wins. After supplying a couple of assists in their 3-2 win over Ghana, the Manchester United star scored a brace – to the chagrin of teammate Cristiano Ronaldo – in their 2-0 win over Uruguay.

Portugal only need a point against the Koreans to clinch top spot in the group – and crucially, avoid Brazil in the round of 16 – so coach Fernando Santos now has the luxury of resting Bruno, Ronaldo, and other key stars ahead of the knockout round.

But the bad news for the Koreans is that Portugal’s reserves are still of significant quality. Rafael Leao, who has been brilliant for Serie A champions AC Milan over the last couple of seasons, will almost surely get his first World Cup start after two substitute appearances.

Midfielders Vitinha and Joao Palhinha, who will be prime candidates to replace Ruben Neves and Bernando Silva, are capable defensive midfielders who can frustrate a Korea Republic side in need of a win.

And the likes of Andre Silva and Goncalo Ramos will be hoping to lead the line in place of their captain, Ronaldo.

History

This will be just the second time ever that Portugal and Korea Republic will square off in a competitive football match. And as it so happens, their first meeting also came in the World Cup.

The two sides met in a Group D match in the 2002 World Cup, which Korea Republic co-hosted with Japan. And the Taeguk Warriors caused a major shock as they beat the Selecao 1-0 through a Ji-sung Park goal.

Betting Tip

Despite the fact that Portugal don’t need to win this match, SBOTOP odds still have them installed as big 1.62 favourites to emerge victorious. Korea Republic are priced at 4.80, while a draw is 4.10. Even if Portugal play their second-string side, they still have enough quality to beat the Koreans. However, the Taeguk Warriors will not go down without a fight, and I expect them to battle to a draw, which unfortunately won’t be enough to go through.

 

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