Against all odds, South Korea advanced out of Group H and will now take on the South American powerhouse, Brazil, in a knockout game.
Brazil kicks off the Round of 16 against South Korea Monday, Dec. 5, at Stadium 974. The number-one-ranked team in the world has not looked as dominant as many expected but advanced out of the group stage fairly easily, nevertheless.
With Gabriel Jesus surprisingly leaving Qatar due to a knee injury and Neymar still battling a lingering ankle injury, Tite must utilize the depth on his roster correctly to ensure they aren’t an early exit out of the tournament.
All hope appeared lost for head coach Paulo Bento’s squad after a surprising loss to Ghana in the group stage. In an unexpected turn of events on Matchday 3, a 91′ goal from Hwang Hee-chan gave South Korea a 2-1 advantage over Portugal and ultimately qualified them for the next round.
For the first time in 12 years, South Korea will be playing in a Round of 16 match. However, this will likely be their final match of the tournament.
Brazil vs South Korea Odds
- 3-way handicap: Brazil (-400) | Draw (+440) | South Korea (+1200)
- Draw No Bet: Brazil (-1400) |South Korea (+700)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 ( -130) | Under 2.5 (-100)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (+140) | No (-180)
Brazil vs South Korea odds are current as of December 3 at 12 p.m. on Caesars Sportsbook.
Despite several significant injuries for Brazil, oddsmakers are still heavily backing the side to knock South Korea out of the tournament.
Ar first glance, Both Teams to Score: No, seems highly probable with the form of Thiago Silva and Brazil’s defense. Additionally, the Over hitting is not a sure thing with how low scoring both squads have been, but still more likely than the under.
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Brazil vs South Korea Prediction
Brazil 2-1 South Korea
South Korea will fall just short of a second-straight upset when they take on Brazil in the Round of 16.
Despite several injuries for Brazil, Tite’s talent within his reserves is still world-class, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Antony, and Rodrygo, to name a few. Unfortunately, Brazil has had a surprisingly difficult time scoring goals this tournament, and the struggles will continue here.
If Neymar can go, you could see more goals being scored, but with his availability still in question, you can expect a narrow victory.
South Korea’s late-game heroics to beat Portugal in their last match will not be replicated here against one of the best defenses in the world. With star forward Son Heung-min still yet to find the back of the net, I can see the lone goal belonging to him.
Apart from that, Brazil does not allow many chances to its opposition, and with Allison in goal, South Korea achieving that one goal may even be a reach.
Brazil vs South Korea Betting Tips
- Brazil dominated possession in the group stage with an average of 62% but only scored three goals in those three games. All three goals have come in the second half.
- Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles are confirmed out for the remainder of the World Cup. Neymar remains a possibility to play in this match.
- Richarlison and Casemiro remain the only Brazil players to score despite the array of young stars.
- Brazil’s one conceded goal is tied for the lowest amongst the remaining teams.
- South Korea had a 0-goal differential in the group stage, with four goals scored and conceded. Kyu-Sung Cho leads the team with two.
- South Korea averages 15 shots per game, with 4.3 on target.
- One of South Korea’s four goals has come in the first half.
Brazil vs South Korea Best Bets
Halftime/Fulltime: Tie/Brazil (+270) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
I’m backing Brazil’s first-half struggles to continue in this match, especially with Neymar possibly remaining out. In games with and without him, Brazil failed to score within the first 45, which should remain the case here.
South Korea’s defense has not been excellent but has been strong at points in the tournament. However, Brazil has played far more aggressive in the second half and should score with those chances later in the contest.
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