South Korea vs Uruguay prediction: WORLD: Friendly International betting tips on match 2023-03-27 11:00.
A new chapter in South Korea’s football history led by Jürgen Klinsmann got off to a solid start when the German coach oversaw a 2-2 friendly draw with Colombia on Friday. He ought to know it could and should have been more, though, as his side blew a two goal lead in the contest. Klinsmann explained post-match that a potential lapse in concentration cost his side, but he praised the performance on either side of the two goals that arrived in the five minutes immediately after half-time.
That game was the first in which South Korea netted the opening goal from their last five outings (W1, D2, L2), which will be a positive Klinsmann will want to build upon. The new boss will look to boost confidence ahead of next year’s Asian Cup – a tournament in which the Taegeuk Warriors will be expected to win by many. Upcoming opponents Uruguay have often proven to be a tough competitor for them to overcome though, highlighted by the H2H record of just one win from the last eight meetings (D1, L6).
While H2H history might side with Uruguay, they have come into this international double-header depleted. Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo and Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez were forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury, while once legendary attackers such as Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani were left out by interim boss Marcelo Broli. Some were questioning that call after Friday’s 1-1 draw with Japan, where Uruguay attempted ten shots but returned just a solitary goal.
This is more than likely Broli’s last game in charge before a permanent manager will be appointed, so he’ll surely want to end his short reign on a high. With converting chances into goals likely to be a problem again here, a positive result may well hinge on yet another outstanding defensive display after conceding one or no goals in 12 of their last 13 matches (W8, D3, L2).
Players to watch: Heung-Min Son has recorded three first-half goals in his last three home matches for South Korea, and might be out for revenge after missing a penalty when these sides last met on home soil in 2018. Federico Valverde scored Uruguay’s goal on Friday and has now hit at least one shot on target in four of his last five combined matches for club and country.
Hot streak: South Korea have scored before half-time in each of their last five friendly home games.