Korea Republic vs Iraq
South Korea are all set to start the third and final round of World Cup 2022 qualifying as they host Iraq at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
The Taeguk Warriors looked strong in the second round, with five wins and 22 goals scored in six matches.
However, they will be in for a tough test as they take on former coach Dick Advocaat, who is now in charge of Iraq.
Moreover, the Iraqis have given the South Koreans some problems in the past, and they will be keen to defy the World Cup 2022 odds in Seoul.
Talking Points
Son healthy and ready to lead South Korea
South Korea strolled through to the third round of qualifying after dominating Group H in the second round. The Taeguk Warriors won five of their six matches, scoring 22 goals while conceding just one.
After drawing away to Lebanon in 2019, they finished their campaign with three straight wins in June against Turkmenistan, struggling Sri Lanka, and Lebanon at home.
Captain and star striker Son Heung-Min contributed three goals in the second round, two of which came from the penalty spot. That includes the winning goal against Lebanon in their most recent match. The Tottenham Hotspur star has now scored 27 goals in 91 caps for his country.
Despite some concern about his health – notably his left hamstring – Son appears to be fully fit. After scoring the winner in their season opener against Man City, he again scored Spurs’ winning goal against Watford as they maintained their 100 per cent record to start the season.
Son will lead a talented South Korean attack that also includes new Wolves signing Hwang Hee-chan and main striker Hwang Ui-jo, who has scored 14 goals in 36 caps.
However, coach Paulo Bento has not called up midfielder Lee Kang-in for the upcoming qualifiers. The 20-year-old, who scored three goals during the Olympics, just completed his move from Valencia to newly promoted Mallorca in La Liga.
New Iraq boss keen for good start
Iraq advanced to the third round of qualifying after being one of the five best second-placed teams. They finished just one point back of group winners Iran, whom they beat 2-1 at home. They won five out of their eight games, with two draws and just one defeat.
The man who led them to those impressive World Cup 2022 results, Srecko Katanec, left at the end of the second round. However, Iraq have found a top replacement in Dick Advocaat. The 73-year-old Dutchman has come out of retirement to take on the challenge of leading the Iraqis to World Cup qualification.
Advocaat has a wealth of experience coaching at both club and international level. He was in charge of South Korea from 2005-2006 and led them in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Advocaat has quite a capable squad at his disposal. Captain Alaa Abdul-Zahra (122 caps) and centre-back Ahmed Ibrahim (107) are two of the most capped players in the country’s history and provide much-needed experience.
Meanwhile, Safaa Hadi and Mohanad Ali are the stars of the present and future. Hadi, 22, is their key defensive midfielder who will pull the strings in the middle of the park. As for Ali, he has emerged as their main goalscoring threat. The 21-year-old scored five goals during the second round of qualifying and has 17 goals in just 35 caps thus far.
Advocaat has also recalled winger Justin Meram, who plays for Real Salt Lake in MLS, to provide another option in attack after not playing for his country since 2019.
History
South Korea do not have the best record against Iraq. Although they have a 7-2 advantage in terms of wins, the Iraqis have held them to 11 draws. That includes their most recent meeting in 2017, where Iraq held the South Koreans to a 0-0 draw in a friendly.
But Korea Republic came out on top in their last competitive meeting, which came in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup semi-finals. South Korea won 2-0 and went on to the final, where they lost to hosts Australia.
Betting Tip
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Korea Republic vs Iraq | 1X2 Korea Republic @ 2.08 |
| September 2, 19:00 (GMT+8) |
Unsurprisingly, SBOTOP odds have South Korea installed as 2.08 favourites at home. Iraq are priced at 5.20 to pull off an upset, while a draw is 2.23.
It will not be an easy match for South Korea considering how well Iraq played in the second round. Although, Advocaat has not had much time to work with his new team, so the Iraqis might not be quite where he wants them to be in his first match in charge.
Moreover, the advantages of being at home and having Son Heung-min should still be enough for the South Koreans to claim the victory.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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