Football Preview for the Australia vs. South Korea match scheduled at 10:30 PM on February 2nd, as part of the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup 2023. Bongdaplus analyzes squad information, expected line-ups, bookmakers’ odds, and predicts the final score.
Australia’s performance in the Asian Cup 2023 has been notably impressive, maintaining an unbeaten record. The Kangaroos effortlessly secured the top spot in Group B with comfortable victories of 2-0 against India, 1-0 against Syria, and a 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan in the group stage. In the Round of 16, Australia continued their dominance, defeating Indonesia 4-0.
However, it is evident that Australia has not faced particularly challenging opponents to truly validate their capabilities. Coach Arnold’s squad seems yet to encounter formidable adversaries that would provide a genuine test of their prowess. As they progress to the quarterfinals, Australia will undoubtedly face tougher opponents, posing a significant challenge to maintaining their stellar form.
In the upcoming quarterfinal, Australia will square off against South Korea, a highly-rated team and one of the top contenders for the Asian Cup 2023 title. In contrast to Australia, South Korea navigated through a more challenging group stage and Round of 16. The brilliance of Son Heung Min only secured them the second spot in a group that included relatively weaker teams like Bahrain, Jordan, and Malaysia. Even against lesser opponents such as Jordan and Malaysia, South Korea struggled to secure victories.
After the group stage, South Korea conceded an unexpected total of 6 goals, a surprising figure for a top-tier team like South Korea. In the Round of 16, they faced a highly tense match against Saudi Arabia. Son Heung Min and the entire team found themselves trailing for most of the second half, requiring a late goal from Cho Gue Sung in the 90+8th minute to push the game into extra time, ultimately securing victory in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The exertion over the full 120 minutes is likely to have a significant impact on South Korea’s physical fitness. Coach Klinsmann’s squad has only a 2-day break before facing Australia in the quarterfinals, while their opponents enjoy a 4-day rest to prepare for the upcoming clash. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if South Korea encounters another challenging match against Australia.
Latest Squad Information for Australia vs. South Korea: Both teams boast their strongest lineups for this crucial encounter.
Expected Lineups for Australia vs. South Korea: Australia: Ryan, Atkinson, Souttar, Rowles, Behich, McGree, Baccus, Invine, Boyle, Yengi, Bos. South Korea: Jo Hyeon Woo, Lee Ki Je, Jung Seung Hyun, Kim Min Jae, Seol Young Woo, Jeong Woo Yeong, Park Yong Woo, Hwang In Beom, Lee Kang In, Son Heung Min, Cho Gue Sung.
Match Analysis for Australia vs. South Korea: Australia to win the Asian Handicap: South Korea gives Australia a 1/4 goal handicap for the entire match. However, in their recent four encounters, the South Korean team has not won the Asian Handicap. In the last three matches, South Korea has drawn within the 90 minutes. Choosing Australia to win the Asian Handicap seems more reasonable.
Corners Bet: In the last 4 matches, both teams have consistently had over 9 corners.
Under/Over Goals: When facing top Asian teams in the past year, both Australia and South Korea have witnessed scores under 2.
Predicts the Score for Australia vs. South Korea: Encountering Australia has never been easy for South Korea. In the upcoming match, a similar scenario may unfold. Klinsmann’s squad is likely to share points with their opponents in regulation time and proceed to play extra time, eventually deciding the outcome in a penalty shootout.
Prediction: 0-0 (South Korea wins on penalties)
