World Cup 2022 South Korea Vs Portugal, Tips & Predictions

Group H is yet another that pitches together countries that share World Cup history. In the case of South Korea and Portugal, these two teams met twenty years ago during World Cup 2002, and it was hosts South Korea who prevailed on that occasion. Portugal will be seeking redemption for that defeat, and could well get it as anything but a win here for Korea will see them on an early plane home.

These are two teams with plenty of attacking potential, and we have seen that to a certain extent in the tournament so far. Portugal in particular have incredible talent in the squad – Cristiano Ronaldo is more than ably supported by the likes of Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes, Atletico’s Joao Felix, and more besides. Fernando Santos’ team could be quite the threat in Qatar, and the World Cup betting odds show that the bookmakers agree.

As for this match, Portugal are huge favourites, as the betting odds with the likes of 22bet attest to, but much will depend on the team Santos puts out with qualification already secure. South Korea have plenty of European-based talent at their disposal, but with only one point from their opening two games, know that anything less than a win will not be enough. Portugal maybe can afford to rest some players, but Korea certainly cannot.

• These two sides famously met in World Cup 2002, with hosts South Korea running out 1-0 winners. That was the last time these two teams faced off.
• Four years ago in Russia, South Korea failed to progress beyond the group stages, although the team did secure a memorable 2-0 victory over Germany in the group stages. Portugal were eliminated by Uruguay in the Round of 16 stage, a match Portugal avenged in their 2-0 group-stage win here in Qatar.
• Recent form had been mixed for both sides coming into the tournament. Portugal had won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six, but have won their opening two games here to already qualify for the knockout phase. South Korea had won four and drawn one of their last six coming into Qatar, but have yet to register a win at the main event. Anything less than a win here will see Korea eliminated.
• Portugal are among the frontrunners for the world crown with operators such as bet365 currently listing Ronaldo et al at around 11/1 – that’s sixth favourites to be exact.

Form so far at this tournament would suggest there will be only one winner here. Portugal have won their opening two games, but Korea have yet to register a win after securing a 0-0 draw with Uruguay but then going down 3-2 to Ghana. There are a couple of huge caveats here, though. Firstly, will Portugal field a full-strength side with qualification already secure? And secondly, with a Portuguese coach, South Korea will be well drilled in how to stop their opponents here.

FIRST HALF UNDER 1.5 GOALS

Will both teams score? That’s an interesting question, and recent form suggests the answer is yes. South Korea have scored in all but one of their last eight matches, including in defeat to Brazil. The only team to shut them out in that sequence was Uruguay here in Qatar, a team that Portugal found tough to register against too. In Spurs Heung-min Son Korea have a dangerous weapon on the counter attack. Portugal, with an embarrassment of riches in attacking positions, will also probably find the net, so we are backing both teams to score here.

BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE - YES

We know that South Korea won against Portugal in the group stages 20 years ago, but that was in Seoul. This game, on neutral territory, looks like Portugal’s to lose if they field a first-choice eleven. However, with Portugal likely to rest some players, and Korea desperate for the win that could salvage their tournament, we’re backing a stern test and honours to finish even.

PORTUGAL TO WIN

South Korea

South Korea have become ever-presents at World Cups in recent years. Indeed, the Asian side have qualified for every World Cup since 1986. Their best showing in that time is still the fourth place finish on home soil in 2002, and they have only progressed beyond the group stage on one other occasion, reaching the Round of 16 in 2010. This is not a vintage Korea team, as their second place finish behind Iran in Group A of Asian qualifying attests to, and results here in Qatar have not been what the millions supporting at home would have been wishing for. Can Korea snatch an elusive victory here? 

Key Player/s: It has to be Son Heung-min, who is the captain and now has 35 goals to his name at international level. Jo Gue-Sung proved his finishing ability with a brace against Ghana. Napoli’s Kim Min-jae is the side’s rock at the back. 

Team news: Coach Paolo Bento has no injury concerns heading into the final game.    

Predicted Lineup: S Kim, M Kim, M Kim, J Kim, W Jeong, W Jung, I Hwang, C Kwon, H Son, G Jo

Portugal

Portugal – European Champions in 2016 – will be hoping for a better showing that in Russia four years ago where they were knocked out in the Round of 16. Certainly this squad has the talent to progress deep. In Bernardo Silva, Portugal have one of the best creative talents in the game. And with plenty of talent off the bench, every side in Qatar should be wary of what this side can achieve. Progress is secure, how far can Portugal go?

Key Player/s: He may be a legend and still captain, but Ronaldo’s powers appear to be on the wane. But in Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix et al, Portugal have an incredibly strong squad of players who just could power them to glory. 

Team news: Coach Fernando Santos has injury concerns surrounding Otavia and Danilo heading into this one.

Predicted Lineup: Costa, Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Mendes, Neves, Carvalho, Silva, Fernandes, Felix, Ronaldo 

South Korea area good team and have their stars, but this is a strong Portugal side. Fernando Santos’ team are packed with quality players, even if their main man Ronaldo does appear to be past his best, which is understandable at the age of 38. With players set to get a rest here with qualification secured, and South Korea desperate for a win, expect the form book to be irrelevant. Our prediction is a thrilling draw in this one.

The match to end in a draw