Portugal’s progression from Group H has already been assured, but they will be looking to wrap up top spot in their final group game against South Korea on Friday. The Asian nation can still qualify for the round of 16, but they will need a victory against the European nation.
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Portugal has been one of the standout nations at the World Cup this winter, and they will be looking to maintain their strong run of form in their final group stage fixture. They have won both of their group stage games, and are only the third team to boast a 100% record in Qatar, alongside Brazil and France.
Portugal saw off their biggest test of Group H in their second fixture, as they recorded a 2-0 win against Uruguay. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo claiming the first goal, it has gone down as a Bruno Fernandes effort. The Manchester United star added a second in injury time, as he netted from the penalty spot against a leggy Uruguayan defence. The balance in this Portugal side looks very exciting at present, and they will be looking to wrap up top spot to avoid a showdown with Brazil.
South Korea come into this final fixture knowing that only a win will do. The Asian nation gave it everything in their previous fixture, as they registered over 20 shots against Ghana. However, they weren’t able to claim a point that they needed to keep their fate in their own hands, as they suffered a 3-2 loss.
But, there remains a lot of quality in this South Korean side, and Portugal will be aware of the risk posed by players such as Heung Min-Sin and Cho Gue-Sung. However, South Korea is unlikely to get as many chances as they did in that Ghana match, which means that they will need to take any opportunity that they are able to create.
South Korea vs Portugal Head to Head
The only previous meeting between the nations came at the 2002 World Cup, with South Korea winning 1-0 on home soil. However, that remains Portugal’s only defeat against Asian opposition in five previous meetings.
South Korea vs Portugal Prediction
South Korea certainly look to have an issue creating chances against the very best nations, and that is troubling coming into this fixture. Therefore, we expect this impressive Portuguese side to maintain their fine run of form with a comfortable 2-0 win.
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