FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022: Brazil vs South Korea Match Preview - 05/12/2022
The Brazilians finished atop Group G to book their place in the knockout phase. Meanwhile, the South Koreans snatched second place in Group H to qualify.
Can Tite’s side live up to expectations? Or will South Korea produce another World Cup shock? It’s time to take a closer look at both sides.
Brazil who registered to two wins and one loss during the group stage – finishing level with Switzerland on six points in Group G.
After claiming back-to-back victories over Serbia (2-0) and Switzerland (1-0), the South Americans suffered shock 1-0 defeat to Cameroon last time out.
Not only did Friday’s loss end a nine-game winning streak for Brazil, but it also ended a 17-game unbeaten run. During that period, they kept 12 clean sheets.
Still, Tite’s men are expected to bounce back as the knockout phase kicks off. After all, they have suffered just two defeats in their past 32 outings in all competitions.
South Korea looked dead and buried after drawing with Uruguay (0-0) and losing to Ghana (3-2) in their first two group games.
However, a 91st-minute goal from Hwang Hee-chan saw South Korea beat Portugal 2-1 last time out – send them through by the barest of margins.
The Asian side progressed on goals scored, having netting two goals more than Uruguay. Both teams finished on four points, but South Korea progressed.
Paulo Bento’s boys have now lost just one of their past six games in all competitions. When you look at the bigger picture, they have lost two of their previous 12.
Head-to-head: Brazil and South Korea have played two friendlies in recent years. Brazil won 3-0 in 2019 before thrashing the South Koreans 5-1 back in June of this year.
South Korea’s sole victory over Brazil came back in 1999. As a result, the South Americans have won six of the seven meetings between the teams.
Team news: Neymar remains an injury doubt for Brazil. Tite made nine changes last time out, meaning he should make plenty more on Monday.
It goes without saying that Son Heung-min in South Korea’s danger man. He will be joined in attack by Cho Gue-sung, who bagged a brace against Ghana.
Regardless of South Korea’s heroics against Portugal, Brazil shouldn’t struggle to book their place in the quarter-finals.
