Match Preview: South Korea vs Portugal

FIFA World Cup 2022- South Korea press conference — epa10331592 South Korea national team Head coach Paulo Bento during a press conference at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in Doha , Qatar, 27 November 2022. EPA/ABIR SULTAN 2782 agenda code

The Asian Game’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is proudly sponsored by SMC.

History has a funny way of repeating itself and South Korea will certainly be hoping that is the case when they front up against Portugal at Education City Stadium on Friday evening.

The Koreans need a win over Portugal to secure their passage through to the Round of 16, the same scenario they faced back in 2002 when they co-hosted the World Cup.

On that occasion it was a Park Ji-sung wonder goal that won the game for the Koreans; the future Manchester United star announcing himself on the global stage with a stunning solo effort.

Twenty years on, who will be the Korean player to do likewise in Qatar?

Will it be Son Heung-min who, despite his stellar career, is still yet to really deliver that spectacular moment on the international stage?

In the opening few games against Uruguay and Ghana the Tottenham star has struggled to impose himself on the game. The opposition, wary of his one-on-one ability, are ensuring they give him little time to weave his magic.

Could the moment fall to Korea’s heir apparent in Lee Kang-in? The Mallorca star showed his quality coming off the bench against Ghana, his introduction bringing with it an instant turn around in fortunes with two goals in three-minutes bringing them back into the game.

Knowing they have to win, will Paulo Bento be tempted to start a player many expected wouldn’t even make his 26-man squad; a player Bento himself has rarely trusted throughout his time in charge?

It would signify an about face for the Portuguese manager, but it’s hard to deny a player in such form in a game you have to win to survive.

Embed from Getty Images

If he doesn’t start, when to introduce him might be a decision out of Bento’s hands given he is suspended for the final game after earning a red card for his outburst at the referee after their loss to Ghana.

His deputy, Sergio Costa, will take charge on the sidelines and it’s he that will have to make the in-game tactical decisions. Whether that makes any difference remains to be seen, but it’s far from ideal in what could be Bento’s last game in charge of Korea.

Lingering question marks remain over the fitness of defensive general Kim Min-jae and attacking weapon Hwang Hee-chan. Hwang has missed all of the World Cup so far and while Bento confirmed he had returned to training, it would still be a risk to play a player who is clearly well short of the required match fitness.

Kim Min-jae started against Ghana, coming off in the latter stages as Korea pushed for an equaliser, but Bento said it would be another game day decision as to whether the Napoli star lines up in the heart of defence.

Doubt also remains on Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, with Portugal manager Fernando Santos confirming he is a “50-50” prospect with the former European champions already qualified for the knockout rounds.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SON HEUNG-MIN – If Korea don’t make it through to the knockout rounds this could be Son Heung-min’s final ever World Cup appearance. He will be desperate not to make it such, but Bento and his staff will need to find a way to take the attacking burden off Son’s shoulders so he can have the freedom and space to do what he does best.

Embed from Getty Images

LEE KANG-IN – After a standout cameo off the bench against Ghana there is a clamour for the wonderkid of Korean football to start. In the opening two games Paulo Bento has tried Lee Jae-sung and Jeong Woo-yeong in that attacking midfield position in the opening two games, but with everything on the line against Portugal this is surely the time to throw caution to the wind and give Lee Kang-in the chance to create history.

KIM JIN-SU – The Jeonbuk left-back, who has experience in Europe, has been a stalwart of the national team for a long time but has had a disappointing tournament so far. While he is still full of adventure in getting forward, his crosses have often lacked direction and his defensive output has been lacking. With so much on the line a better performance is needed to help see Korea though to the Round of 16.

WHAT THEY SAID

Paulo Bento – South Korea coach

“Portugal are capable and organized, and they rely on a host of high-quality players.

“This is a huge challenge we have ahead. We will be put to the test. I am confident that our players will do their very best.

“The focus will not be on me but on the players,” he said. “People go to games to see the players, not to see the coach.

“I am confident the staff will do whatever is needed and if they need to make decisions, I am confident they will be able to do so. They will be independent.

Embed from Getty Images

“Many decisions that are made during a match are quite often made by them. They suggest replacements and decisions. So they will do it by themselves this time. The players are also in line with the technical staff. I trust in them. I don’t think this will be a problem.”

Kim Young-gwon – South Korea defender

“I think we have to show the same kind of passion and fighting spirit in this match. We’re not going to give up until the end.

“Obviously, their players have great individual skills, but I believe if we can stick together as a team and battle as a team, we can stop them.

“That’s how we’ve been preparing for this match all along, and we’ll try to execute our game plans on the pitch.

“We have our backs against the wall, but everyone knows how well we must play as a team and how organized we must be on the field. If we can play the way we’ve prepared for this match, I think we will walk away with great results.”