MY ACCOUNT
– South Korea have not scored in three of their past five World Cup finals games
– Ghana have kept clean sheets in three of their last five senior internationals
– Recommended Bet: Back South Korea Under 0.5 goals
Ghana and South Korea are both facing the prospect of an early flight home if they do not improve in their World Cup 2022 Group H clash at Education City Stadium on Monday.
The Black Stars gave Portugal a scare in a 3-2 defeat in their opening game, but ultimately finished with no points to show for their efforts.
The Taeguk Warriors held Uruguay to a goalless draw in a match that featured no shots on target and showed them to be somewhat short of creativity or poise in the penalty box.
Team news
Two of South Korea’s substitutes against Uruguay pressed their claims for inclusion from the start against Ghana with midfielder Lee Kang-In particularly impressive after coming on for Na Sang-ho.
Cho Gue-Sung could also displace Hwang Ui-Jo, who missed a great chance to score in the 34th minute.
Hee Chan Hwang, who featured in all three of the Taeguk warriors group games four years ago, is still dealing with a hamstring strain and looks a doubt.
Heung-Min Son, who wore a protective mask against Uruguay after his recent eye socket fracture, came through the game unscathed.
For Ghana, striker Andre Ayew and right-back Alidu Seidu trained apart from the group on Friday, but they are not in danger of missing Monday’s game.
Otto Addo has no injury concerns with only a possible change of formation exercising the mind of the Black stars head coach.
He could switch to a back four to accommodate goalscoring substitute Osman Bukari with Mohammed Salisu’s place at risk if that is his choice.
Ayew kept brother Jordan out of the starting line-up against Portugal, and the Al Sadd forward’s goal together with his club form should be enough to ensure he retains his place in attack alongside Inaki Williams.
The stats
Ayew became Ghana’s most capped player when earning his 111th cap against Portugal, surpassing previous record holder Asamoah Gyan.
The Al Sadd hitman has scored twice in seven Qatar Stars League matches this campaign after scoring 15 goals in 21 games for the Doha-based club last year.
South Korea have not scored in three of their past five World Cup finals games and have failed to get a single shot on target in two of their last four.
Ghana, however, have netted at least once in six successive games at the tournament — Nigeria (eight) are the only African team to better that streak.
Lee recorded two key passes in South Korea’s goalless draw with Uruguay, more than any of his teammates.
Thomas Partey had the most touches (68), successful passes (47) and tackles (four) in the Ghana team against Portugal.
Prediction
Ghana are expected to place more emphasis on attack in this game because they cannot afford to lose, but taking a defender out for a midfielder might help them control the game further away from their goal.
South Korea were pretty toothless in their opener against Uruguay, admittedly against an elite South American defence, but their lack of creativity was concerning.
The Black Stars were holding out well until Cristiano Ronaldo won Portugal’s spot-kick and if they can avoid falling into any similar traps here, there is a chance they can keep a clean sheet that could be the basis for all three points.
Ghana kept clean sheets in games against Chile, Switzerland and Nicaragua prior to their arrival in Qatar and the 21/10 available at LiveScore Bet for them to blank a South Korea side struggling to find the net is a tempting option for Monday’s clash.
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