World Cup Group Stage Group H Second Round South Korea vs Ghana
Competition time: November 28, 21:00 Beijing time
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South Korea, who drew in the first round, and Ghana, who lost in the first round, meet in the second round of the group stage, a match that is a life-and-death battle for both teams, and losing may basically mean saying goodbye to the group stage.
Son Heung-min, the Premier League Golden Boot winner, has been mediocre in the first round of the group stage and has yet to score, will he be able to score his first World Cup goal against Ghana?
In addition to the host Qatar, Australia, Iran, Japan and Saudi Arabia have all won their first victories in this World Cup, can South Korea, as a traditional Asian powerhouse, usher in its first victory and catch up with its Asian partners?
The latest situation of the Korean team
In the first round of Group H, South Korea drew 0-0 with Uruguay, with few chances in the game, adding up to just one shot on target. One point each is also an acceptable result for the South Korean team, after all, if the rush to press and lose the goal, the team will be in a more critical situation.
According to the latest news from South Korean reporters, Kim Min-ya has been absent from pre-match training for two consecutive days, and the defender's appearance in Ghana is doubtful. For the South Korean team, which is already a weak link in the backline, this news is undoubtedly worse.
Ghana team update
In the first round of Group H, Ghana lost 2-3 to Portugal, and Ghana was completely suppressed and not as good as Portugal on paper, but Ghana proved that he was not a fishbelly team with his resilience to fight Portugal until the last minute. In the whole game, Ghana scored two goals with three shots, and the offensive efficiency was not to be underestimated.
Past encounters
Ghana and South Korea have not ever met in World Cup history, with a total of 6 meetings in their history, with 3 wins and 3 draws. In 2006, South Korea lost 1-3 in two friendly matches with Ghana, in 2011 South Korea defeated Ghana 2-1, and in 2014 South Korea lost 0-4 again.
Pre-match remarks
South Korea coach Paul Bento has confirmed that Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan will not play in Monday's game against Ghana, with a 50 per cent chance of Kim coming out, according to the latest news from journalist Gary Al-Smith.
Pre-match analysis
In terms of the South Korean team, although the last time against the Ghanaian team lost 0-4, after all, 8 years have passed, the reference is not significant, and most of the players in the current South Korean team are relatively unfamiliar with the Ghana team. The only result South Korea wants to see is three points, and Taiji Tigers definitely don't want to go to the final round to face Portugal with one or two points.
Therefore, if you want to win, the offensive play is especially critical, Son Heung-min, who appeared in a mask in the last game, did not show his due form, facing Ghana, Son Heung-min is undoubtedly the biggest player in the 22, and his performance will directly determine the direction of the entire game.
Ghana actually laid down their baggage after losing to Portugal, the strongest team on paper in the group, and South Korea is the opponent Ghana has a chance to win. The core of the team's midfield seems to have lost his charm at Arsenal in the last game and he needs to adjust as soon as possible to restore his leadership and confidence.
Overall, Hwang Hee-chan's absence will have a greater impact on the South Korean team, which means that Son Heung-min will face a tighter defense, and Ghana, who scored two goals in the previous round, will be more confident in their attacking group. The difference in strength between the two sides is small, and it will be a more anxious game.