South Korea FC is ready for a tough road to the semi-finals, as they meet with Australia FC in the quart finals for the third time. These two teams are actually familiar with each other already, as they already met three times in the last four Asian Cup. South Korea did not have a smooth journey going to the quarterfinals. Fortunately for South Korea, they won against Saudi Arabia through penalties, despite their 1-1 draw. Meanwhile, Australia thrashed Indonesia during their last 16 meeting, earning a 4-0 win. Additionally, Australia wants to extend their unbeaten run in the contest through this match, so they are aiming for a win once again. The meeting between these two teams is on February 2, 2024, at 11:30 PM (GMT+8).
South Korea FC
South Korea demonstrated resilience in the last 16 matches, scoring in the ninth minute of stoppage time and maintaining composure from the penalty spot. Despite facing a pro-Saudi Arabia crowd, the Koreans managed to score eight goals and break through. This will be their second trip to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup, with only one previous defeat. Four of their six goals at the Asian Cup this year have come beyond the 80th minute, three of which occurred in stoppage time. The Tigers of Asia had not conceded in seven consecutive fixtures, but have given up seven in their four Asian Cup affairs. They have lost only one of their last five competitive fixtures against the Socceroos, posting three clean sheets.
South Korea’s starting 11 for the Saudis match saw Jung Seung-hyun replace Cho Gue-sung. Son Heung-min made his 121st appearance, and Jeong Woo-yeong now holds the sixth-most all-time caps. South Korea equalized late into the match.
Australia FC
Australia’s Socceroos team, led by Graham Arnold, has been unbeaten in eight consecutive matches in all competitions, outscoring their opponents 20-1. The Socceroos scored four goals against Indonesia, the second-most in an Asian Cup knockout fixture since destroying Uzbekistan 6-0 in the 2011 semi-finals. Australia has only conceded a combined three goals in all of their knockout fixtures since making their debut at the Asian Cup in 2011. They have not beaten South Korea since the 2015 Asian Cup, but have extended their unbeaten run across competitions to eight games, winning seven. Australia’s unbeaten run across competitions is looking good to win their second Asian Cup title, with the team looking good to continue their impressive performance.
Gethin Jones, recovering from a groin strain, is cleared to play in Australia’s quarter-final match against Indonesia. Lewis Miller and Thomas Deng are expected to recover, and Mitchell Duke came on as a substitute. Arnold made two changes to his starting 11 in their knockout victory.
Prediction:
South Korea FC (2.5)
Odds: -0.83
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