Uruguay vs Korea Republic
South Korea are set to begin their World Cup 2022 campaign as they take on Uruguay in Group H.
The Taeguk Warriors are still sweating on the fitness of their wounded leader, Son Heung-Min, who suffered a facial fracture just a few weeks ago. But the Tottenham Hotspur star is back in training and appears to be on course to play in the opener.
South Korea will be hoping to have Son available as they take on Uruguay, who are favoured by the World Cup 2022 betting odds to win. La Celeste have an exciting new generation emerging as their old guard led by Luis Suarez play their final World Cup.
Talking Points
Uruguay’s new generation ready to step up
Uruguay’s golden generation is set for their final World Cup. Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Diego Godin, Martin Caceres and Fernando Muslera have been tremendous servants to their country over the years – they are five of the top six leaders in all-time appearances – and have had many accomplishments, the biggest of which was their semi-final berth in the 2010 World Cup.
But with Suarez and co. now in their mid-30s, they are ready to make way for a new generation of Uruguayan stars led by Darwin Nunez, Fede Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Ronald Araujo.
Although, Araujo is a doubt to play against South Korea, as he recovers from groin surgery, so Guillermo Varela will likely start at right-back with Godin and Jose Gimenez starting at centre-back.
Uruguay have been in fantastic form under new coach Diego Alonso. They have won seven of their first nine games with Alonso in charge, with one draw and one loss.
Alonso has experimented with several different formations to start his tenure and it remains to be seen which system he settles on to start the tournament. But he played strikers Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez together in their last two friendlies in September and is expected to do so again, while the midfield is likely to include Valverde and Bentancur.
South Korea hoping to have Son
All eyes are on Son Heung-Min as the South Korean superstar tries to get fit in time to start in the World Cup opener. The Tottenham Hotspur star underwent surgery to repair a facial fracture just three weeks ago. But he finally returned to training a few days ago while wearing a protective mask and has now progressed to heading a ball amid his injury.
Son’s fitness is central to South Korea’s World Cup 2022 hopes. The 29-year-old Premier League Golden Boot winner is the team’s captain and top scorer, with 35 goals in 104 caps.
Wolves’ Hwang Hee-Chan and Hwang Ui-jo will be tasked with helping Son produce World Cup 2022 highlights, although neither is in particularly good form. Hee-Chan has yet to score a single goal for Wolves this season, while Ui-jo is also goalless while on loan in Greece.
South Korea’s playing style under coach Paulo Bento has remained consistent over the last four years, with the team defending deep and springing out on the counterattack with Son.
Kim Min-jae, who has been starring for Serie A leaders Napoli, will be tasked with leading a fairly experienced Korean backline against Uruguay’s dangerous attackers.
History
Uruguay and South Korea have squared off eight times in the past. The South Americans have dominated the South Koreans, with six wins, one draw and just one defeat.
One of their meetings came in the 2010 World Cup round of 16. Uruguay came out on top 2-1 thanks to a Luis Suarez brace. Suarez, Cavani, Godin, and Muslera all featured in that game.
The South Koreans finally got their first win over Uruguay in a 2018 friendly. Jung Woo-young scored the winning goal 11 minutes from time in a 2-1 South Korea victory.
Betting Tip
SBOTOP odds have Uruguay installed as significant 1.77 favourites against South Korea, who are priced at 4.70. A draw is 3.45.
There’s a lot to like about Uruguay. They are in great form under Diego Alonso, who has plenty of quality to pick from in his squad.
With Son Heung-Min’s overall fitness in some doubt after his recent injury layoff, South Korea could struggle to break the Uruguayans down. So look for La Celeste to make a winning start in Group H.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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