Portugal will face South Korea after football powerhouses like Germany and Belgium are eliminated. Cristiano Ronaldo’s group will be well informed that despite winning all three group games at the World Cup 2022, no team has yet advanced to the next stage.
Portugal will attempt to do this first. South Korea knows this is their final opportunity to move on to the next round, while the Portuguese will play to demonstrate their dominance.
With a victory today, South Korea will join Japan as the second Asian team to reach the knockout rounds. The game between Ghana and Uruguay will also have a big impact.
South Korea vs. Portugal Preview
Portugal Team Overview
Portugal has already attained knockout-stage eligibility. The number one slot is still up for grabs, though. They will probably play Brazil in the following round if they lose today and finish in second place.
They would surely not want that at this stage of the competition. Cristiano Ronaldo scored against Ghana to become the first male player to accomplish so in five World Cups. For Portugal to finish the game in style, they need him to score again.
South Korea Team Overview
South Korea hasn’t lost a game so far in this competition. They are curious to know if Kim Min-Jae, who was hurt during the encounter against Ghana, will be available. They were able to contain Uruguay’s attackers, but they were also unable to score.
While they did score twice versus Ghana, they also let up three goals. The Tigers of Asia are thus in danger of being eliminated. A victory over CR7’s team is their only chance.
South Korea vs. Portugal Head-to-Head
The Koreans will likely win their second match against Portugal because they defeated European opponents in their previous one, which was also a world cup victory, thus history will be on their side.
South Korea defeated Portugal 1-0 at the FIFA World Cup 2002 which they both co-hosted, progressing all the way to the semifinals.
Best Players to Watch
In order to score early in the game, the Korean team will rely heavily on Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. While Ronaldo, as always, will be eager to make an impact.
South Korea vs. Portugal Prediction
The Korean defense will cause frustration for Portugal. South Korea will advance to the next round with a 2-1 victory.
