Portugal and South Korea wrap up Group H play on Friday from Education City Stadium. The Portuguese have already secured a spot in the Round of 16 with two wins and six points. South Korea could advance to the Round of 16 with a win, assuming that Uruguay beats Ghana in a match that would take place at the same time, and South Korea beats Uruguay on goal differential. If Uruguay and Ghana tie, then South Korea would need a better goal differential than Ghana – assuming, once again, that South Korea wins this match. Given that we have seen Saudi Arabia top Argentina in this World Cup already, we know that anything is possible. Check out our online betting preview of this group play finale.
World Cup Preview: South Korea vs Portugal
(Friday, December 2)
When: Friday, December 2, 2022, 9:00 am ET
Where: Education City Stadium, Qatar
TV: FOX
Radio: No U.S. Broadcast
Live Stream: Peacock
Soccer Odds: Portugal -167 / South Korea +400 / Draw +320 // O/U 2.5
Why should you bet on Portugal?
All Portugal needs is a draw to win Group H, and there is no reason for them to push hard for the win and risk injuries. South Korea must win to advance, so we can expect to see some desperation from them, so Portugal could take advantage of tactical mistakes and convert turnovers into goals, but I expect a more circumspect approach from this team.
Portugal started Group H play with a 3-2 win over Ghana, as Cristiano Ronaldo became the first men’s soccer player to find the back of the net in five different World Cups. Portugal made it six points with a 2-0 win over Uruguay, as Bruno Fernandes delivered the brace and clinch a spot in the Round of 16. Portugal has not made it past the round of 16 since 2006, when they came in fourth. The nation’s best finish came in 1966, when they came in third. Portugal was not a top favorite coming into group play, but they have done well in a challenging group.
Why should you put your money on South Korea?
Paulo Bento, a former Portuguese star, is the manager for South Korea, and he has the underdogs playing well. They roared back from a 2-0 deficit against Ghana to tie the score in the 60th minute of their group play match, but they gave up the game-winner in the 68th minute. The South Koreans have not reached the knockout rounds since 2010; in 2014 and 2018, they made the group stage but could not come out.
South Korea would have better prospects if forward Hwang Hee-chan were healthy, but hamstring issues have left him on the shelf, and he is doubtful for Friday’s match. Son Heung-min will earn his 107th cap for the national team, and Kim Min-jae, a defender for Napoli in Serie A, will anchor the back line. Cho Gue-sung had a brace against Ghana and will need to push the offense again on Friday.
Final Score and Prediction
This match will really come down to how Portugal handles aggressive play from South Korea, who will be pushing for goals. If Portugal retreats into a conservative plan, then expect them to play top-notch defense and keep things at 0-0 or, perhaps, 1-1. If the Portuguese can turn some mistakes into goals, then the total could rise, but Portugal has no reason to press and instead should focus on defense. I predict a final score of Portugal 1, South Korea 1.
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