2018 FIFA World Cup–Korea Republic vs Mexico Preview
AT A GLANCE
When? Saturday 23rd June, 16:00
Where? Rostov Arena
What channel is it on? ITV1
Where can I stream the match? The match can be streamed online via ITV Player
Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/group-f-germany-mexico-sweden-south-korea-tickets/ca5916
THE TEAM NEWS
KOREA REPUBLIC
- Korea suffered a narrow defeat in their opening match to Sweden so they know that nothing short of a victory will keep their hopes alive as they come into this game against Mexico.
- They will have to make one enforced change as Park Joo-Ho has been ruled out of the tournament with the hamstring injury he suffered so Kim Min-Woo will deputise at left-back and that may be the only change although Lee Seung-Woo is pushing for a starting place.
- They will need Son and Hwang to put in a much improved attacking display after they struggled to really penetrate a tough Sweden defence, and they will likely encounter a similarly tough Mexican defence here too.
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):
Cho Hyun-Woo
Lee Yong, Jang Hyun-Soo, Kim Young-Gwon, Kim Min-Woo
Ki Sung-Yueng, Koo Ja-Cheol
Hwang Hee-Chan, Lee Jae-Sung, Son Heung-Min
Kim Shin-Wook
Unavailable: Park Joo-Ho
Doubtful: None
MEXICO
- Mexico pulled off a stunning victory over Germany in the opening game and they had the chances to score more than the one goal they managed in what was arguably the performance of the opening round of matches.
- Their approach may change for this match as they will have more possession so they will look to get Vela more involved in play here and control the match more than they did against Germany when they played almost solely on the counter attack.
- Coach Juan Carlos Osorio will almost certainly name the same starting 11 for this match following such an impressive display.
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):
Ochoa
Salcedo, Moreno, Ayala, Gallardo
Herrera, Guardado
Layun, Vela, Lozano
Hernandez
Unavailable: None
Doubtful: None
THE PREDICTION
All the pressure is on Korea coming into this game which does not really suit their style of play. Mexico will look to control possession but it may even suit them to soak up pressure and hit Korea on the counter. Osorio's men have to be favoured once again to get at least a draw as the absolute minimum in this one.
