Saudi Arabia FC is looking to rely on their impressive defense to earn a win against South Korea FC, and qualify in the quarterfinals. These two nations are actually unbeaten in their group stage campaign, but Saudi Arabia has a better campaign. They actually topped their group in the group stage, which proves their dominance. Saudi Arabia have seven points from their campaign, and are currently in a winning streak, which they want to extend. Meanwhile, South Korea is at the second of their group stage, as they earned five points in their campaign. Additionally, South Korea are also coming from a win for this match, which gives them confidence here. The meeting between these two teams is on January 31, 2024, at 12:00 AM (GMT+8).
Saudi Arabia FC
Saudi Arabia has maintained their unbeaten record in the Asian Cup, going unbeaten in the group portion for the first time since 2007. They have also extended their undefeated run to eight matches in all competitions. This is the first time since 2007 that Saudi Arabia has finished top of their Asian Cup group. The impressive defensive work in the opening round is a surprise given the reputation of manager Roberto Mancini, who prefers 1-0 results over victories with many goals. Saudi Arabia has lost nine of their last 10 games when conceding the opening goal, with the other victory occurring in their opening match against Oman. The Green Falcons have not won a match against the Koreans since a 2005 World Cup qualifier, but emerged victorious in the 2000 semi-finals.
Mancini made significant changes to the Saudi Arabian starting 11 on matchday three, keeping Ali Al-Bulaihi and Salem Al-Dawsari in the starting lineup. Al-Bulaihi and Kanno reached the half-century mark for caps, while Rahged Al-Najjar collected his first cap and made a clean sheet.
South Korea FC
South Korea’s Asian Cup group stage was filled with excitement and drama, with at least four goals scored in all three games. However, the Taegeuk Warriors finished with just five points, the fewest for them in the group phase since 2007. Jurgen Klinsmann’s men had the bulk of possession and chances versus Malaysia, but their defensive transition was poor, conceding four efforts on target, three of which were goals. South Korea has won their opening knockout fixture at the Asian Cup in each of the past four tournaments, squeezing past Bahrain at this stage four years ago. Klinsmann has only suffered one defeat in normal time at either the World Cup or any other continental competition, when his USA side lost 2-1 versus Jamaica at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals.
South Korean coach Klinsmann made three changes to his starting 11 for the upcoming match against South Korea, replacing Jung Seung-hyun, Lee Ki-je, and Park Yong-woo. Hee-chan made his first appearance, and Lee Kang-in scored his third goal.
Prediction:
South Korea FC (2.5)
Odds: -0.90
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