World Cup
Brazil vs South Korea prediction


Much was made of Brazil’s 1-0 loss to Cameroon on Friday, with the media seemingly forgetting that Brazil had already won Group G to all tense and purposes, and had made nine changes to their starting XI. I will take the defeat with a pitch of salt and spin a positive on it: it means their star players will have had a full week’s rest coming into their second round tie on Monday.
Whereas South Korea were 2-1 victors over Portugal in their final group game, with Hwang Hee-chan’s stoppage time winner being the goal that setup this tie. That game was on Friday, their match versus Brazil was on Monday. Who do you think has the fresher legs?
On top of South Korea needing to work hard in their final game, one has to think the players will have been enjoying the moment too, getting in touch with family and friends back home etc. So how much rest and preparation will they have had for the bookmakers’ pre-match favourites?
I may get this horribly wrong, but there’s little I’ve got wrong so far at Qatar 2022. I think Brazil will annihilate South Korea on Monday.
After a 0-0 in their opener versus Uruguay, in which they failed to produce a single shot on target, South Korea were one of the most entertaining sides in their final two games. They were attack-minded in both their 2-3 loss to Ghana and their victory over Portugal. It will be interesting to see if manager Paulo Bento has had enough time in two days to get his side sufficiently defensively organised versus the likes of Vinicius Jr., Neymar, Richarlison and co. I would be surprised.
With that in mind I cannot see anything but a big win for Brazil in this one. My tip is a little conservative because I am enjoying this incredible win % at the 2022 World Cup so far, but feel free to go all out on a -2.5 or -3.5 Asian Handicap if you prefer.
Best bet: Brazil to win -1.5 goals i 4/5 with BetFred
Value bet: Brazil to win -2.5 goals is 2/1 with BetFred