South Korea
vs.
Mexico
By: Jason Green
Time: 4:00 PM
Match Odds: Mexico -145 / South Korea +450 / Draw +270
Over/Under: 2.5 goals
Mexico is tied with Sweden atop the Group F standings and they scored the biggest upset of the Tournament so far beating defending World Cup champion Germany 1-0 in their opening match. South Korea is tied with Germany with no points in Group play and they lost to Sweden 1-0 in their opening match.
It is pretty easy for both teams, as if Mexico wins they will advance to the knockout stage for the 7th straight World Cup while if South Korea losses they will not advance out of the group stage.
In the five all-time meetings between these teams each has two wins and there has been one draw.
South Korea is winless in their last Four matches with three losses and a draw. On the other side of the coin Mexico has two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches.
Mexico only had possession of the ball 33% of the time in the win over Germany, but they had more scoring chances and the match could have been a bigger win by Mexico, who missed some big-time scoring opportunities. Hirving Lozano scored the lone goal in the match, but Miguel LAyun and Chicharito Hernandez missed some chances to tack on more goals.
South Korea lost the battle of possession in their loss to Sweden 56% to 44%, but while they had the ball often later in the match they did not threaten to Scoreand the had no shots on target in the entire match. They were held scoreless and they have not scored a goal in their last three matches. South Korea does not have a good attack up front and add to that they face a strong Mexico defense that kept a clean sheet against Germany.
South Korea has to gain points in this match, so they will likely attack more up front and they really have to pounce on the counter attack. Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min is the main scoring player for the Koreans and he must have a good match and find a way to pressure the Mexican defense.
Mexico has a solid midfield and defense and while they did get the win over Germany their attack has not looked good in their last five matches where they have only totaled two goals. However, on paper they have a better attack up front than Sweden does and South Korea will have their hands full in this match.
Last Three Matches
South Korea
6/7/18 South Korea 0 Bolivia 0 (Friendly)
6/11/18 Senegal 2 South Korea 0 Friendly)
6/18/18 Sweden 1 South Korea 0 (World Cup)
Mexico
6/3/18 Mexico 1 SCotland 0 Friendly)
6/9/18 Denmark 2 Mexico 0 Friendly)
6/17/18 Germany 0 Mexico 1 (World Cup)
Prediction: South Korea did only give up one goal on a penalty in their opening loss to Sweden, but they were far from impressive in the match. On the other hand Mexico played a great match in their upset win over Germany. Mexico will play well again in this match and easily beat South Korea 3-0 advancing to the knockout stage for the 7th straight World Cup and dashing the South Koreans hopes for doing the same.