South Africa vs South Korea Predictions: South Korea to seal knockout place
Ross Kilvington
South Africa have picked up just one point so far
After beating Czech Republic 2-1, South Korea then lost 1-0 to Mexico
Recommended bet: South Korea to win @ 3/5
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South Africa know that only a victory in their final World Cup Group A match will give them a chance of making the knockout stages.
After a tournament-opening 2-0 defeat to Mexico, it appeared as though Bafana Bafana were heading home as they trailed the Czech Republic 1-0 with less than 10 minutes to go in their second game.
A penalty from Teboho Mokoena, however, has given the nation some hope.
South Korea know that a win will send them through to the knockout stages, while a point might also be enough after they saw off the Czechs in their first game and then lost to co-hosts Mexico.
The latest South Africa vs South Korea odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
South Africa coach Hugo Broos will have a few decisions to make ahead of this crunch clash against South Korea, as two of his players are suspended.
Mokoena received his second caution of the tournament in the game against the Czechs, while Temba Zwane will also be missing having received a red card in the opening match of the tournament.
South Korea coach Myung-Bo Hong has no fresh injury concerns and it remains to be seen whether he makes a change or two to the starting XI for this game.
The stats
This will be the first meeting between South Africa and South Korea in a competitive fixture.
South Korea have played against African opposition four times at the World Cup, winning against Togo (2006), losing to Ghana (2022) and Algeria (2014), while drawing with Nigeria (2010).
South Korea have won three of their previous four matches and have lost just five times since March 2024.
Both teams have scored in six of South Africa’s last eight matches.
Son Heung-min can become the top scorer for South Korea at the World Cup if he scores once during the tournament.
South Africa have won just two of their 11 World Cup matches.
The latest South Africa vs South Korea odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Although Broos will be happy that his side grinded out a point against the Czechs, improvement will be required for this tough match against South Korea.
Four points could well be enough for a spot in the last 32. Anything less, however, and Bafana Bafana will be exiting at the group stage for the fourth time.
A point could be enough for the Asian side, but all three points will guarantee knockout stage football.
Given the fact South Africa are missing two important players in Zwane and Mokoena, this should be a straightforward victory for South Korea men in Monterrey.
Back South Korea to win at 3/5 with LiveScore Bet
Score prediction: South Africa 0-2 South Korea
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