South Korea vs Portugal Odds & Prediction

Nothing is at stake on Friday when South Korea takes on Portugal. The Portuguese have already won Group H while South Korea has already suffered elimination. But although nothing is at stake, the Koreans are playing for pride. If South Korea were to beat Portugal, it would be a massive boost to the nation’s soccer program. See below for FIFA World Cup Odds, analysis, and a free pick for South Korea versus Portugal.

2022 FIFA World Cup Betting Analysis: South Korea vs Portugal Group H Matchup

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Group H – South Korea versus Portugal

When: Friday, Dec. 2 at 10:00 am ET

Where: Education City Stadium, Doha, Qatar

TV/Streaming: FOX

Handicap Odds: Portugal -0.5 -163 / South Korea +0.5 +127

Moneyline Odds: South Korea +390 / Portugal -157 / Draw +320

Total Odds: O 2.5 -140 / U 2.5 +102

Why South Korea is a good play versus Portugal

South Korea didn’t win either of their first two World Cup matches, but although the Koreans don’t have a victory, they have played well.

South Korea forced a 0-0 draw versus South American team Uruguay. Then in their next match, the Koreans lost by a single goal to Ghana in a 3-2 match.

On Friday, South Korea faces a Portuguese team that has already started preparing for the Round of 16. The Koreans should have a good chance of upsetting a Portugal side that has already stamped their ticket beyond the group stage.

South Korea Last 5

L – 2-3 vs. Ghana
D – 0-0 vs. Uruguay
W – 1-0 vs. Iceland
W – 1-0 vs. Cameroon
D – 2-2 vs. Costa Rica

South Korea Predicted Starting Lineup

Seung-Gyu
Young-Gwon
Min-Jae
Jin-Su
Moon-Hwan
Woo-Yeong
In-Beom
Woo-Young
Gue-Sung
Heung-Min
Chang-Hoon

Why Portugal is a good play versus South Korea

In two matches, Portugal has proven they’re a legit team to win the World Cup. The Portuguese beat fellow knockout stage participant Ghana 3-2. Then in their next match, Portugal put a 2-0 beating onto Group H pre-World Cup second choice Uruguay.

The win against Uruguay truly impressed. Portugal controlled possession 60% to 40%. Not only that, but Portugal took 15 shots to Uruguay’s 11.

Although the Portuguese have nothing to play for on Friday, we shouldn’t disregard Portugal’s depth. The Group H winner has much more than just Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.

Portugal is so deep that South Korea should struggle even if the favored team starts players from their bench.

Portugal Last 5

W – 2-0 vs. Uruguay
W – 3-2 vs. Ghana
W – 4-0 vs. Nigeria
L – 0-1 vs. Spain
W – 0-4 vs. Czech Republic

Portugal Predicted Starting Lineup

Costa
Pereira
Dias
Guerreiro
Cancelo
Neves
Otavio
Silva
Ronaldo
Felix
Fernandes

Final Betting Analysis: South Korea vs Portugal

If something were at stake for the Portuguese, they’d be an easy pick to dominate South Korea. But because Portugal has already won Group H, South Korea should play much more competitively in this than if Portugal were fighting for a knockout stage spot.

With that being written, both Fernandes and Ronaldo will want to build upon their goal totals. So we should expect both star players to at least make an appearance.

If Ronaldo and Fernandes play long enough, South Korea should lose this by multiple goals. But even if Fernandes and Ronaldo play just a half, or half of a half, the South Koreans figure to lose.

Simply put, Portugal’s second string squad is better than South Korea’s starting eleven. Portugal ends group play with another victory.

World Cup Pick: Portugal -157

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