Brazil meet South Korea at Stadium 974 in Round of 16 at 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Victory would see Brazil advance to the Quarter-Finals for an eighth consecutive World Cup, whilst South Korea look to reach the last eight for the first time since their fourth-placed finish at 2002 World Cup.
The winner of this tie will face Japan or Croatia, who meet on Monday (5 December) afternoon.
Team News
Gabriel Jesus is ruled out for Brazil after he suffered a knee injury in their Group G defeat against Cameroon, which will see the Arsenal striker miss the rest of the tournament.
Alex Telles (knee) is also sidelined for the remainder of Brazil’s World Cup campaign but Neymar, Danilo (both ankle) and Alex Sandro (hip) are doubts, although they both could return later in the tournament if fit enough.
Manager, Tite could recall Thiago Silva, Casemiro and Richarlison amongst several regulars to the line-up, having rested them against Cameroon as unused substitutes.
South Korea could welcome Kim Min-jae back into contention after he was rested for their win over Portugal with a calf issue.
Lee Kang-in and Kim Young-gwon meanwhile were substituted with knocks but should be available for selection.
Stat Attack
- This is Brazil’s first-ever World Cup meeting against South Korea.
- South Korea have won just one of seven previous meetings against Brazil in all competitions (W1, L6).
- Brazil beat South Korea in their only previous clash played on neutral territory, winning 3-0 in a friendly in November 2019 in Abu Dhabi.
- Their defeat to Cameroon marked Brazil’s first defeat in 18 matches across all competitions dating back to September 2021, although their last pair of consecutive losses came at 2014 World Cup.
- Three of South Korea’s four goals at this World Cup were scored in the second-half.
Prediction
Having made several changes for their wasteful defeat against Cameroon, Brazil manager – Tite will be relieved to welcome several regulars back who will add plenty of fresh quality and attacking intensity to the team.
Losing Jesus and Telles though will be huge losses and more so the latter if Sandro isn’t available, which could well open up a chance for South Korea to target the left flank if an unfamilar player has to go at left-back to provide cover.
South Korea meanwhile will be just relieved to have reached this stage following a clinical comeback to beat Portugal, yet they haven’t exactly been defensively solid despite their impressive attacking press and quality so a win here feels like a huge ask.
The Round of 16 though feels too smooth and processional so far and unless Japan upset Croatia in the teatime kick-off, I wouldn’t be surprised if this game ends up looking a potential banana skin should South Korea deliver a spirited fight and can target the left flank effectively.
Brazil however should have enough quality to avoid a cupset if they play at their usual best as we saw against Serbia and Switzerland in the group stage.
Prediction: Brazil 2-1 South Korea
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