South Korea
Czech Republic
One of the most intriguing group stage clashes of the opening round sees an electric South Korea side take on a technically assured Czechia in what promises to be a tactical battle between two well-organised and dangerous teams. Both sides will fancy their chances of making the knockout rounds and will see this as a must-win fixture from the off.
South Korea — The Asian Tigers
South Korea arrive at this World Cup with genuine quality throughout the squad. The talisman is undoubtedly Heung-min Son, who is one of the players every defender in this tournament will be wary of. Alongside him up front, Hee-chan Hwang and Kang-in Lee provide pace, creativity and a goal threat that can hurt anyone on their day. The midfield is anchored by the composed Inbeom Hwang with Jae-sung Lee and the wide threats of Tae-seok Lee and Young-woo Seol providing width through a 3-4-3 shape. At the back, Ki-hyuk Lee leads a three-man defence alongside Minjae Kim and Han-beom Lee, with Seung-gyu Kim in goal.
Son is the difference maker. When he is at his best, South Korea are capable of beating anyone in this tournament.
Czechia — The Dark Horses
The Czechs are one of the most underrated sides in this tournament and should not be taken lightly by anyone. Patrik Schick leads the line with his characteristic blend of physicality and composure in front of goal, and at 80% he is expected to start. He is flanked by the direct Ondrej Provod and the highly-rated Lukas Sulc, who arrives at this World Cup in the form of his life. The midfield engine room of Tomas Soucek and Lukas Sadilek gives the Czechs steel and creativity in equal measure, with Vladimír Coufal and David Jurasek providing the wide outlets. The back three of Tomas Krejci, Tomas Hranac and Matej Chaloupek is well organised and hard to break down, with the excellent Matyas Kovar — one of the best goalkeepers in this tournament at commanding his area -
could be the difference between Czechia going deep in this tournament or going home early. He has the ability to single-handedly keep them in matches.
Predicted Lineups
Key Battle
Heung-min Son vs Tomas Krejci. Son will look to exploit the spaces in behind the Czech defence and will likely come up against Krejci as the left-sided centre-back tasked with tracking his runs. If Son can get in behind early and put the Czech backline under pressure, South Korea will have the platform to control this game. If Krejci can shackle him, the Czechs have the quality to hurt Korea on the break through Schick.
Prediction
This is one of the hardest calls of the opening round. Son gives South Korea the X-factor but Kovar in goal and Schick up front mean the Czechs are dangerous at both ends. Expect a tight, tactical contest that could go either way — but Son's quality at the highest level just edges it for the Asian Tigers.
South Korea 1–1 Czechia - Heung-min Son — Patrik Schick
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