South Korea v Czech Republic Prediction, Tips and Bet Builder

The second match of the World Cup sees South Korea meet the Czech Republic in Zapopan and victory for either would go a long way to securing qualification from Group A.

With fixtures against co-hosts Mexico and South Africa to come, this is a competitive group with all four sides perhaps fancying their chances.

South Korea have become World Cup mainstays and are making their 11th straight appearance at the World Cup, while Czech Republic have returned to the big stage for the first time since Germany in 2006.

The Taegeuk Warriors won two qualifying groups containing China and Jordan to continue their impressive record of reaching the World Cup, while the Czech Republic had to work a little harder, coming through penalty shootouts in the play-offs against Republic of Ireland and Denmark.

South Korea v Czech Republic Tips Summary

Best Bet - Czech Republic draw no bet @ 5/6
Alternative Bet - Ladislav Krejci anytime goalscorer @ 15/2
Bet Builder - Patrik Schick to have 1+ shots on target, Heung-Min Son to have 3+ shots & Vladimir Coufal to commit 2+ fouls @ 5/1

South Korea v Czech Republic Prediction

Best Bet: Czech Republic draw no bet @ 5/6

This looks set to be a tight opener encounter in Group A, with the draw an outcome that would suit both parties with a showdown against South Africa to come.

However, the Czech Republic’s physicality and threat from set pieces may give them the edge.

South Korea made the last 16 of the World Cup in Qatar but there has been plenty of change since then, with Paulo Bento stepping down after recording that feat and Jurgen Klinsmann lasting only a year in charge before being replaced by Myung-Bo Hong.

Hong led them to an unbeaten qualifying campaign but that would have been expected given the calibre of opposition they faced and the jury is still out for many on the manager’s expertise, having endured a disappointing spell as manager in 2014.

South Korea have been criticised for being too ponderous in attack under Hong’s guidance and opponents Czech Republic look well-suited to tournament football.

The Czechs favour a disciplined and compact style under manager Miroslav Koubek and they have lost only two of their last 19 internationals, having come past Ireland and Denmark in the playoffs.

The Czech Republic might lack the star quality of the Koreans but in Patrik Schick they have a focal point to their attack and they are compact in defence and midfield, so may be able to frustrate their opening rivals.

Alternative Bet: Ladislav Krejci anytime goalscorer @ 15/2

Set pieces are the real strength of Czech Republic and 11 of their 22 goals in qualifying came from dead-ball situations to illustrate that point.

There will be a focus on keeping towering West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek quiet, but that could allow Ladislav Krejci to fly under the radar.

Krejci was announced as Czech Republic's new captain in March and he played a leading role in their qualification for the World Cup, scoring in both playoff wins over Ireland and Denmark.

He was one of very few positives in Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League this season and, although deployed in a back three, he has scored five goals in just 27 caps.

South Korea v Czech Republic Bet Builder Tip

• Patrik Schick 1+ shots on target

• Heung-Min Son 3+ shots

• Vladimir Coufal 2+ fouls

  Pays 5/1

Czech Republic’s chief scoring threat Schick arrives at the World Cup in flying form, having netted 11 goals in his last 12 appearances for club and country. He should register an effort on target.

Son remains South Korea’s leading light and he had ten shots in their final two warm-up wins over Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador. He will look to shoot on sight.

Finally, former West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal could commit two or more fouls. The right-back made 33 fouls in 34 appearances for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga this season and is a regular card contributor.

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Key Match Stats

• Czech Republic have lost only two of their last 19 internationals

• The Czechs have won four of their last six matches

• Both teams have scored in only one of South Korea's last 15 internationals

• Five of South Korea’s last seven games have gone under 2.5 goals

• Czech Republic's Patrik Schick has 11 goals in his last 12 appearances for club and country

• South Korea have lost eight of their last 14 World Cup fixtures

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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.