South Africa take on South Korea in their final group match of the FIFA World Cup, with the game kicking off at 3am on Thursday morning South African time. Czechia take on Mexico with the games kicking off simultaneously.
We look at both matches and some betting options.
Group A Update
Mexico top the group on six points with a 100% record. Even if South Korea join them on six points, Mexico will still finish top by virtue of their head-to-head victory over the Koreans.
South Korea are currently second on three points after beating Czechia in their opening match.
Czechia and South Africa each have one point, with Czechia occupying third position courtesy of a slightly better goal difference of -1 compared to South Africa’s -2.
Czechia will be desperate for victory against Mexico, while South Africa know they most likely need all three points against South Korea if they are to progress to the Round of 32.
South Africa v South Korea
South Africa began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico in the tournament opener.
They were dealt two red cards and came in for significant criticism from supporters who felt the team approached the match too negatively.
They then faced Czechia and found themselves behind after just six minutes. However, they came alive in the final 20 minutes, equalising through a Mokoena penalty and looking the more likely side to snatch victory.
They will be hoping to carry that positive mindset into this final group fixture.
South Korea fell behind to Czechia in their opening match before rallying to win 2-1. They then suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mexico.
South Korea are not yet guaranteed progression and would probably be satisfied with a point here.
Betting – Click here to bet
- South Africa: 5.75
- Draw: 4.00
- South Korea: 1.65
Verdict
This match could begin cautiously, but at some stage I expect it to open up.
South Africa, in particular, have to push for victory and cannot afford to sit back for long periods.
South Korea, meanwhile, would likely be content with a point. They cannot top the group even with a win, and a draw would guarantee second place regardless of the result between Czechia and Mexico.
Betting Angles
- Over 2.5 Goals at 2.05
- Draw at 4.00
- Both Teams to Score – Yes at 2.05
- Match Result and Over 2.5 Goals: Draw and Over 2.5 Goals at 19.00
Suggested Bet
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Both Teams to Score – Yes at 2.05
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Czechia v Mexico
Czechia were beaten 2-1 by South Korea in their opener despite taking the lead in the 15th minute.
They then controlled much of their match against South Africa, with Sadílek opening the scoring after six minutes, but they were ultimately pegged back by a late South African penalty and forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Mexico were perhaps a touch disappointing despite beating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match. They followed that up with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea, with Romo scoring the decisive goal in the 50th minute.
Betting – Click here to bet
- Czechia: 3.75
- Draw: 3.75
- Mexico: 2.00
Verdict
This has the makings of an entertaining encounter.
While Mexico should have too much quality overall, the fact that they are already guaranteed top spot is a concern and makes the match result market less appealing.
Instead, I think goals are the way to go here.
Suggested Bet
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Over 2.5 Goals at 2.10
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
