South Africa vs. South Korea prediction, odds: World Cup picks & best bet for Group A
South Korea can secure its spot in the World Cup knockout stage with a win or a draw, but must exercise caution against a winless South Africa team that is currently last in Group A. The Taegeuk Warriors notched an epic 2-1 comeback win over Czechia in their opening match, then fell to Mexico in a hard-fought contest. Bafana Bafana got on the board against Czechia, drawing 1-1, but a 2-0 loss to Mexico to open Group Play has left them winless (3 draws, 3 losses) in their last six international matches.South Korea is the -175 betting favorite on the three-way moneyline, as South Africa enters +500 underdogs with a draw collecting +300 odds on FanDuel Sportsbook.The Taegeuk Warriors excel in transition and can also play the patient tactical game.Captain Son Heung-Min and Lee Kang-In are a formidable duo of attackers that can make things difficult on the South African backline.Kang-In has emerged as a true force in both matches for Hong Myung-bo’s team, generating explosive plays with his smooth dribbling and high-level passing ability.
South Korea would be content with a draw, sitting nicely with 3 points in second place of the group, but their pace and signature tempo suggest they will find the back of the net.With Teboho Mokoena, the hero for Bafana Bafana who scored the first South African goal in 16 years via penalty last match, suspended due to a pair of yellow cards, I’m siding with the Taegeuk Warriors to have the advantage here.Sphephelo Sithole has been quiet so far, and if there was ever a game for him to redeem his efforts, it would be this one.However, South Africa’s inability to find a true attacking replacement for Mokoena, combined with fresh legs from Son and Lee, puts South Korea in a prime position to punch their ticket to the Round of 32.The Play: Lee Kang-In to score or assist (+105, FanDuel)Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC.
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