There are three more matches at the World Cup on Monday with the first of the trio of games coming from Group F where Sweden and South Korea will do battle in Nizhny Novgorod.
Both teams will realise there is a massive opportunity in front of them after Germany were beaten in this section on Sunday. If either side can get a victory here they will give themselves a real shot at making it into the knockout stages.
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Sweden
I’m always wary when sides have to go through the play-offs to make it into these finals but so far we’ve seen Switzerland hold Brazil having qualified in that manner while Croatia and Denmark have both won their first games so perhaps it is just a sign of how strong European nations are at the present time.
It is good that we have seen Denmark in this tournament because Sweden are very much like them in that they have a good organisation about them defensively, don’t concede many goals, but are unlikely to steamroller many sides. They have talented players up front but you get the feeling that none of them are convinced they belong at this level so goals are an issue.
South Korea
If we are comparing regions, or sides within them, then things don’t look good for South Korea in this match. We’ve already seen the other three Asian qualifiers – Saudi Arabia, Iran and Australia. Saudi Arabia were walloped by a poor Russia side while Iran weren’t scoring in a month of Sundays until Morocco did it for them and Australia’s only goal was via a penalty from a defensive brain fade.
South Korea have a good reputation at this level but since they came fourth in 2002 they have only got out of their group once and only have 12 goals in 10 matches and it is probably that latter point that is the issue. Even in 2002 when home advantage served them well, they only scored eight goals in seven matches.
Team News
Sweden are said to have a fully fit squad to choose from but it remains to be seen whether they continue with two up top or alter their formation. Leipzig midfielder Emil Forsburg will be their main man.
South Korea will include their two Premier League based players Ki Sung-yeung and Son Heung-min in their starting line up as they look to get off to a fast start. All eyes will be on the Tottenham forward as their standout player.
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Betting
When doing my research for this tournament I noted that both sides struggle for goals and I see that struggle continuing but of the two sides I would expect Sweden to go closer to scoring, or having the better opportunities to score, than South Korea because the Scandinavian defence is at least tough as teak.
South Korea have a weakness at the back. Already in 2018 both Jamaica and Northern Ireland have notched two against them and Bosnia-Herzegovina scored three in Korea earlier in the month. Of course they may well set up with a greater intensity in tournament play but you get the feeling they will get opened up at some point. I think Sweden will have that extra bit of quality to get the win here.
Tips
WON – Back Sweden to beat South Korea for a 4/10 stake at 2.15 with Betfred
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