The Group A match between Republic of Korea and the Czech Republic has all the potential to be a good matchup on Friday with the contrasting styles of the two teams likely to make for a fascinating battle at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.
Republic of Korea
- Republic of Korea are playing with flair under boss Myung-Bo Hong.
- Hong's men have shown plenty of flair in their recent outings, using the pace and power of Son Heung-min to go with the technical ability of Lee Kang-in in midfield.
- Korea have six wins, one draw and three defeats in their past 10 games in all competitions, but Czechia are in red-hot form with five consecutive wins coming into this game, while they have gone undefeated in their previous five.
- Korea's two most recent wins were a 5-0 rout of Trinidad & Tobago and a 1-0 victory over El Salvador, both at home, so this won't be an easy game for either side.
Czech Republic
- Czech Republic are more pragmatic, preferring to sit back and play on the counter-attack.
- Czechia's tactical set-up is more pragmatic with Miroslav Koubek favouring a compact team that can absorb pressure and then play direct and positive football when they get the ball.
- They beat Kosovo 2-1 in a friendly last week and had a good result in Guatemala, winning 3-1.
- Their last match was a penalty shootout win over Denmark in World Cup qualifying, which took them to seven wins, two draws and one defeat in their 10 most recent outings.
Republic of Korea
- Hong's men have shown plenty of flair in their recent outings, using the pace and power of Son Heung-min to go with the technical ability of Lee Kang-in in midfield.
- The former Spurs star is the focal point of their attack - a combination of finesse and explosive power that makes him a goal threat from any angle and a difficult man to mark when he makes runs in behind.
Czech Republic
Patrik Schick is the tall target who can cause havoc with his aerial prowess and goals, especially from set plays, while Adam Hlozek, playing as a No.10 or second striker, brings the creativity and the ability to link up with his teammates.
Betting Insights
- At odds of 2.24, 'Total Score Over 2.5' looks a solid bet in this game while 'Both Teams to Score - No' at 1.86 could also come in if either team fails to find a way through the other's defense.
- The 2.83 odds for Czechia to win makes sense given the superiority of their recent form.
Prediction
- Czechia are, therefore, the most likely winner in this opening Group A World Cup matchup because they are in better form, but also because they are a more defensive unit than the Koreans, who can be exposed at the back.
- However, Czechia can control the game and get on the front foot in the second half, when the Koreans are likely to be more tired.
- Czechia's back line is more compact, so Son and company may not get the service they have been used to lately.
