Already qualified Portugal will bid to secure top spot in Group H with South Korea on Friday at the 2022 World Cup. Fernando Santos’ side need just one point to finish top of the division, while South Korea need to beat the European nation to progress to the round of 16. Portugal Vs South Korea FIFA World Cup.
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Portugal Vs South Korea FIFA World Cup 2022
South Korea opened their Group H campaign with a goalless draw against Uruguay on November 24 before losing 3-2 to Ghana in their second match of the competition on Monday.
Paolo Bento’s side came from two goals down to level the score at 2-2 at the Education City Stadium, but Mohamed Qudus’ second goal in the 68th minute of the match secured the three points for Ghana, keeping them in pole position. Portugal joins the Round of 16 position.
Can South Korea qualify for the knockout
South Korea are third in the division on one point. But they can still qualify for the knockout rounds of the competition. Indeed, Bento’s side need to beat Portugal to stand any chance of progressing. If they beat Santos’ side and Uruguay beat Ghana, goal difference will separate the two teams.
The Asian Tigers last managed to reach the knockout rounds in 2010. Their last two World Cups ending in the group stage.
It was always going to be difficult for them to make it out of this division given the strength of their opposition. But they are in contention at this stage, and the fact that Portugal have already qualified could work in their favor on Friday. .
Portugal already secured their place in the knockout
Portugal, as mentioned, have already secured their place in the knockout rounds of the competition. But they will secure first place in the group with a win or a draw in this match.
Santos’ side opened their World Cup with a 3-2 win over Ghana and in this match Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male player to score in five World Cups.
Portugal were coming off a 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday, with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice for the European nation to secure their place in the last-16 of the tournament. Ahead of the final match, the team is top of the division, three points ahead of second-placed Ghana, who are in pole position to secure the second qualification spot.
Football History Between Portugal Vs South Korea FIFA World Cup
The Selecao also finished third in the 1966 World Cup and fourth in the 2006 competition, but they have not gone beyond the round of 16 since the 2006 tournament, two of their last three World Cups have ended in the first knockout round, although they actually failed to make it out of the group in 2014.
Before the tournament, Portugal were not considered as one of the favourites, but they have impressed in their first two matches and will certainly be looking to finish their group stage campaign with a strong result against South Korea.