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2022 World Cup match preview, predictions, betting picks, odds for South Korea vs. Portugal. Read the FIFA World Cup matchup breakdown and top soccer bets.
Our next match preview will be between South Korea and Portugal. Portugal has already qualified for the next round, and would really need something special to happen for them not to top the group. South Korea simply has to get a win to have any chance of finishing second in the group. Portugal will be looking for revenge from their game 20 years ago when Korea won 1-0 to send Portugal home before the knockout games began.
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South Korea Team Breakdown
South Korea still has an opportunity to get through into the next stage of the competition, but they need to get a win here. That might be a hard ask against this Portugal team though, who is looking strong. But Portugal could rotate some of their squad for this one to rest them ahead of the knockout round. Korea is likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1.
Strengths: The ability of Son Heung-min. The Tottenham star hasn't really shown his ability in the World Cup, with teams looking to eliminate him from the game and force the rest of the team to do the work. But having a player of his ability at the business end of the field will always give Korea a chance of converting a chance into a goal. Portugal has some solid defenders, but their defense can be beaten- just look at the opening game where Ghana managed to score two. Son has a real chance of becoming even more of a national hero in this one.
Weaknesses: The weakness of this team is that they are yet to win a game. After a goal-less draw in their opening game, they allowed Ghana to get the crucial winner in their second game. This team has goals in them, but can they deal with the pressure of getting a win on the big stage?
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Portugal Breakdown
Portugal has already managed to secure their spot in the next round. This result determines if they top the group or finish second. All they need to do is get a draw, and they win the group. This Portugal team looks motivated to chase records. Cristiano Ronaldo started it off in the opening game, where he became the first men's player to score in five World Cups (quite the feat as it spans 20 years!), and he is also trying to become the highest Portuguese scorer at a World Cup after his 'goal' was taken away from him. They are likely to stick to their 4-3-3 formation (can play like a 4-3-1-2).
Strengths: Depth of their squad. Portugal truly might rest some players for this game, with their qualification for the next round guaranteed. The thing is, their squad has enough top talent available that they are likely to get a result with a slightly weakened side. The talent in midfield especially should enable the team to hold onto the ball, with the team averaging 61% possession in their opening games.
Weaknesses: Chasing records. This Portuguese team has talent everywhere, with true game-changing talent at each level. But I could see the team forcing the ball to Ronaldo to try and get the pressure of his personal record off his back ahead of the knockout games. That brings its own type of pressure and could allow Korea to get a foothold in the game.
South Korea vs. Portugal Prediction
This is likely going to be a tough game for Portugal. Korea will be pressing them to get the win they need to try and qualify. Ironically, that openness could well play into Portugal's hands, as they would be able to find more space to exploit.
Score prediction: South Korea 1 - 2 Portugal
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