Mexico made the dream start to the World Cup by dismissing a timid South Africa in the curtain-raiser, but South Korea are certain to be a more searching test for El Tri in Guadalajara.
Like their hosts, they got off to a winning start by overcoming a stubborn Czechia side 2-1 and a point each certainly wouldn't be any kind of disaster for these two sides here.
Victory for either side would assure them complete control of Group A, but they may end up settling for staying unbeaten.
Mexico v South Korea Tips Summary
Best Bet - Draw @ 23/10
Alternative Bet - Raul Jimenez to score anytime @ 13/8
Bet Builder - Both teams to score, Under 4 cards & Under 9 corners @ 15/2
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Mexico v South Korea Prediction
Best Bet: Draw @ 23/10
A win in their opening game following Mexico's signing off at Qatar 2022 with a victory leaves El Tri going for three World Cup wins on the trot for the first time.
They do so against a South Korean side that showed composure and resilience in coming from a goal down just before the hour mark to defeat the Czech Republic at this venue.
Mexico can draw on the fact that they have won both previous meetings with the Taegeuk Warriors at World Cups, but, for all they were dominant in that opening win, South Africa were very limited with just three shots at goal and an xG figure of 0.08.
Facing South Korea is a step up in class for Javier Aguirre's side now and they've failed to win in two of their previous three games at this venue.
South Korea dominated possession and created a host of chances against the Czechs and they really should have won with more comfort. The fact that they fell behind against the run of play will serve as fodder for Mexico and a share of the spoils appeals in this contest.
Alternative Bet: Raul Jimenez to score anytime @ 13/8
Raul Jimenez's aerial prowess could be a major asset for the hosts.
South Korea were undone by a headed goal from Ladislav Krejci against the Czechs, while Jimenez scored his emotional first World Cup goal with a superbly directed downward header against Bafana Bafana.
With that goal in mind, Mexico should seek to get into wide areas and fire crosses that the returning Wolverhampton Wanderers man can seize on.
Jimenez has netted in the last two meetings of these nations and a 47th international goal for the veteran forward could be incoming.
Mexico v South Korea Bet Builder Tip
Both teams to score
Under 4 cards
Under 9 corners
Pays 15/2
Mexico were 2-1 winners when these sides clashed at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and they've played two friendlies since, a 3-2 win for El Tri in a 2020 friendly played in Austria and September's 2-2 draw in Tennessee.
Both teams have therefore scored in three successive meetings, with 12 goals scored in total, and a similar theme is forecast now.
There were three red cards in Mexico's opener, but it was anything but a dirty game and Cesar Montes picked up a foolish sending-off late on.
Prior to that, El Tri had earned just one caution and they committed a dozen fouls over the 90 minutes.
South Korea had to wait for the 96th minute against the Czech Republic for their sole booking, while they committed just nine fouls.
This doesn't appeal as a game where cards will flow, especially if both sides are forced towards settling for a point as the contest closes out.
There were nine corners in South Korea's opening game, of which they took five, while Mexico contributed three of the four flag-kicks against South Africa and under nine corners has landed in their last three games.
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Key Match Stats
Mexico have won only one of their last three games at Estadio Akron (D1, L1)
El Tri have won the previous two World Cup clashes between these nations, and are unbeaten in four meetings (W3, D1)
Mexico have kept a clean sheet in nine of their last 11 wins
South Korea have won their last three games, scoring eight times and conceding just once
Raul Jimenez has scored in Mexico's last two meetings with South Korea
These sides drew 2-2 in a friendly in Nashville in September last year
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
