Portugal is already through to the World Cup knockout stages but can seal the top spot in Group H when they face South Korea on the final day of group matches in the tournament.
After wins over Ghana and Uruguay in their opening two games, Fernando Santos’ side looks in good shape to go deep into the knockout rounds.
South Korea is in big trouble after the unexpected loss to GGhana
Son’s sobbing with the African coach by his side was enough evidence of the difficult feat they will have to pull off: if they want to advance to the round of 16, they have to defeat Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo with all their might.
Kickoff – 16:00 G.M.T
Venue – Education City Stadium
Team news
Portugal will be without Danilo due to a rib injury that he suffered in training, so Pepe will come into the back four for Santos’s side here.
Otavio and Nuno Mendes are also doubts for Portugal’s second match of the tournament.
South Korea manager Paulo Bento will be absent from the touchline for this one, after English referee Anthony Taylor showed him a red card after the final whistle against Ghana.
Bento was unhappy that Taylor blew up for full-time before his team could take a corner, however , on the pitch, Korea will surely recall Na Sang-Ho, who was dropped to the bench against Ghana.
South Korea probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Kim Seung-Gyu, Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Min-Jae, Kim Young-Gwon, Kim Jin-Su, Hwang In-Beom, Jung Woo-young, Na Sang-ho, Lee Jae-sung, Son Heung-min; Hwang Ui-jo.
Portugal probable lineup (4-3-3):
Rui Patricio, Joao Cancelo, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, William Carvahlo; Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix.
Odds/prediction
South Korea win: 4/1
Draw: 17/5
Portugal win: 8/13 ( Betfast)
Santos may well ring the changes to rest some of his Portugal stars, but they have the squad depth that should mean they’ll have too much. Portugal to cruise to a third successive group victory and lay down something of a marker to their knockout stage rivals. Daily reports predict: a 2-0 Portugal
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