On November 24, South Korea drew 0-0 with Uruguay to begin their Group H campaign before losing 3-2 to Ghana on Monday in their second competition game.
Just past the hour mark at Education City Stadium, Paulo Bento’s team came from two goals down to tie the game at 2-2. However, Mohammed Kudus’s second goal of the game in the 68th minute gave Ghana the victory and put them in a strong position to join Portugal in the round of 16.
South Korea is tied for third place in the division with one point remaining, but they can still advance to the competition’s knockout stage.
In fact, Bento’s team must defeat Portugal to have any chance of moving on. If they succeed in doing so and Uruguay defeats Ghana, then the two teams would be separated by goal differential.
The Tigers of Asia last advanced to the round of 16 in 2010, and their most recent two World Cup appearances ended in the group stage.
Given the strength of their opponents, it was always going to be difficult for them to advance from this group, but they are still in the running at this point, and the fact that Portugal has already qualified may work in their favour on Friday.
Portugal, as previously mentioned, has already qualified for the competition’s knockout round, but with a win or a draw in this game, they would ensure first place in the group.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male player to score in five World Cups as Santos’ team defeated Ghana 3-2 in their opening World Cup match.
Bruno Fernandes scored twice for Portugal in a 2-0 victory over Uruguay on Monday to guarantee their place in the tournament’s last 16 round. The team leads the section going into the final matchday, three points ahead of second-placed Ghana, who are in a strong position to clinch the second qualification spot.
A Selecao placed third in the World Cup in 1966 and fourth in the competition in 2006, but they haven’t advanced past the round of 16 since that time and two of their most recent three World Cups have ended in the first knockout round. In 2014, they didn’t even make it out of their group.
Portugal was not viewed as a favourite going into the tournament, but they have impressed in their first two games and will undoubtedly be hoping to finish their group stage campaign on a high note against South Korea.
1×2 Betting Odds
South Korea, although hopeful to qualify are not the favourites against Portugal! Their odds are @ 4.5.
Portugal who has already gone through, are likely to win all three with the odds @ 1.82.
The chances of a stalemate, which will see Japan eliminated stands @ 4.2.
This is likely to be a tough match for Portugal, as South Korea will need to go all out in search of the three points. There is no question that Bento’s side are capable of securing a victory, but Portugal has the superior quality in their squad, and should make it difficult!
Total goals over/under
The odds that the total number of goals score will be over 2.5, stands @ 1.94.
While the odds that the total number of goals will be under 2.5, stands @ 2.01.
