South Korea v Mexico: South Korean desperation to lead to lively clash

South Korea v Mexico
Saturday 23 June, 16:00
Live on ITV 1

South Korea on the brink after narrow loss

While it was probably a bit over the top for Tottenham star Son Heung-min to personally apologise for South Korea's failure to score against Sweden, or even register a shot on target in their 1-0 defeat, it underlined the frustration they felt after what coach Shin Tae-yong described as a "subdued" performance. Against a limited Swedish team, South Korea blew what was probably their best opportunity to pick up a win at this tournament.

The irony is that it was concerns over defending that dominated South Korea's build-up to this World Cup. They certainly have the players to make an offensive impact - Son has had a superb campaign for Spurs, Hwang Hee-chan sparkled for Salzburg in the Europa League this season, and 6ft 5in striker Kim Shin-wook can be a real handful for defenders.

South Korea will be all too aware of Mexico's rapier-like thrusts on the counter-attack, but they are still likely to field an attacking line-up. Defender Park Joo-ho is carrying an injury, and will miss out.

Mexico eyeing top spot

Mexico's opening match of this World Cup could barely have gone any better. Coach Juan Carlos Osorio, often criticised for too much tactical tinkering, got his gameplan spot-on against world champions Germany. El Tri galloped into the wide-open spaces beyond Germany's static midfield, and time and time again they were able to run at an exposed defence. Hirving Lozano took the only goal of the game beautifully, but Mexico could have helped themselves to more goals if they had shown a little more composure.

Even without commanding centre-back Nestor Araujo, who has missed the tournament with injury, Mexico defended superbly against Germany, restricting them to a handful of chances. There were big concerns over whether Hector Herrera would be overwhelmed at the base of midfield, but he was outstanding. In attack, Carlos Vela buzzed around intelligently, Lozano built upon his excellent club form with PSV, and West Ham striker Chicharito showed that he can leave another frustrating domestic season behind him.

Mexico have trodden a well-worn path in the last six World Cups. They have always escaped the group stage, but have fallen at the last 16 on all six occasions. Osorio has worked hard on his squad's mentality, trying to plant the idea that not only can Mexico reach the quarter-finals, but they can be contenders to win the whole tournament. While that seems fanciful, Mexico will have taken huge confidence from that win over Germany, and another victory against South Korea will give a them a great chance of winning Group F.

Osorio isn't expected to make too many changes to a winning side, and has no fresh injury concerns.

Mexico justifiable favourites to claim second win

Mexico are 1.75 to make it two victories in two games, and given their excellent performance against Germany, that feels about right. South Korea will have to come at them at some stage, so that dangerous triumvirate in attack should get some space to operate in.

South Korea are a game bunch who certainly won't give up, but they are relying on Son to come up with magic on his own, and they may be in for a frustrating evening if the supporting cast don't perform.

I'll back Mexico to maintain their momentum and pick up another victory.

Game could be livelier than market expects

Over 2.5 Goals is trading at a hefty 2.42 here, and I can only assume that's a reaction to South Korea's recent goalscoring problems. However, they simply have to commit more men forward in this game, and with Son alongside some decent players in attack, there's enough firepower to make me think they can score at least once.

Mexico should make plenty of chances, and I was really impressed by their front three against Germany. I'll take a swing at that price of 2.42.

Lozano to make his mark again?

Hirving Lozano was superb for PSV in the Eredivisie this season, and his winning goal against Germany has seen his stock rise even higher. He is 3.10 to score in this game.

On the South Korean side of things, Son Heung-min is [4.3] to find the net in 90 minutes, which is a big price for such a talented player who is central to his team's attacking play.

If you are looking to build yourself an acca by using the Sportsbook's Same Game Multi, you could back Mexico to win, Over 2.5 Goals and Lozano to score at a combined price of 5.8

Key Opta Stats for South Korea v Mexico

The only previous World Cup meeting between South Korea and Mexico was in 1998, with the Central Americans running out 3-1 winners in the group stages. Mexico are 1.73 to win.

Mexico have won all three of their World Cup games against Asian opposition (7 goals for, 2 against). They are 2.78 to win half-time/full-time.

Mexico have lost just two of their last 18 World Cup group stage matches (W9 D7). The draw is 3.80.

South Korea are winless in their last seven World Cup matches (D2 L5), losing their last three in a row. A draw half-time/Mexico full-time double result is 4.40.

South Korea have failed to score in each of their last two World Cup games. Mexico are 2.50 to win to nil.

Mexico have not won back to back matches at the World Cup since 2002, when they beat Croatia and Ecuador in their first two group matches that year. They are 1.27 in the Draw No Bet market.

In their opening group game versus Sweden, South Korea racked up more yellow cards (2) than shots on target attempted (0). The odds of there being a sending off in the match are 5.00.

South Korea have failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 of their last 13 World Cup matches, conceding in each of the last seven games in a row. Over 2.5 goals is 2.28.

Rafael Marquez appeared in the opening match for Mexico, making him the third player to play in five separate World Cup tournaments (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018) after Mexico’s Antonio Carbajal and Germany’s Lothar Matthäus. Marquez is [8.5] to score.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Back Over 2.5 Goals at 2.42

Back Hirving Lozano to score at 3.10