World Cup 2022: Two Much-Loved Football Nations Meet on the Big Stage

South Korea vs Ghana

South Korea and Ghana have rarely been in the limelight in a World Cup 2022 but when they are it makes for compelling viewing.

For example, there was the Koreans’ run to the semi-finals in 2002, a tournament they co-hosted with Japan, and an adventure which had pretty much everything as they became the first team outside Europe and the Americas to reach the last four, somehow seeing off Italy and Spain en route.

Ghana’s best World Cup highlights are even more recent.

They had never qualified until 2006 when they were only African nation to advance to the second round with the youngest team of the tournament at an average age of 23 years and 352 days.

Four years later, they again progressed beyond the group stages and reached the quarter-finals where they were eliminated by Uruguay on penalties, only after Luis Suárez controversially handballed on the goal line deep into extra time, denying Ghana an almost certain winning goal.

Had Ghana won their quarter final, they would have become the first African nation to progress to the semi-finals.

Both those teams brought so much joy to South Koreans, Ghanaians and football fans the world over.

Now the respective classes of 2022 are hoping to do the same again.

Talking Points

Both showed glimpses of their ability in their opening matches.

In front of a vibrant crowd at the Education City Stadium, the South Koreans frustrated Uruguay, although did not create many clear-cut opportunities.

The Taeguk Warriors are the first country outside Europe and South America to reach 10 consecutive World Cup finals. In fact, they are in exalted company as there are only four other countries who have qualified for the past 10 tournaments (Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Spain).

Yes, the country held its breath when Son Heung-min had to come off in Tottenham’s Champions League game against Marseille at the start of November.

And their worst fears were pretty much confirmed the next day when it was revealed that the nation’s hero had fractured an eye socket.

Son, a true Premier League star and genuine talent, was always going to travel to Qatar but it remains to be seen if he can play a full part.

If he can, Korea can shock Portugal or Uruguay and progress from Group H at their expense.

To do so, they could do with defeating Ghana, who may have snatched a point in their opening game themselves but for a late slip against the former European Champions.

After a slow start, they nearly snatched a late equaliser against Portugal only for the unfortunate Inaki Williams to slip at the crucial moment and a scuffed shot was cleared off the line.

Ghana is a nation which only just reached Qatar.

Even the two-legged play-off success against Nigeria that secured qualification was not memorable for being a great spectacle, although tactical discipline produced two draws and took the team through on away goals

Otto Addo was actually only appointed boss before that play-off and had not been a head coach anywhere before this job. That may go against him at this level, although the fact he previously worked as a ‘talent coach’ at Borussia Dortmund, helping players such as Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham settle and thrive at the Bundesliga club, may well help.

Either way, now Addo and Ghana are here, they are going to make the most of every opportunity.

History

Ever since their very first meeting in 1982, these nations have been evenly matched with four wins apiece and one draw.

Ghana romped to a 4-0 victory the last time they met, in a 2014 friendly in Miami, inspired by a Jordan Ayew hat-trick.

Three years earlier, Korea had triumphed 2-1 in another friendly.

All their matches have either been friendlies or minor competitions tournaments such as the Merdeka Tournament, the President’s Cup and South Korea Tournament.

Betting Tip

South Korea have the edge with the SBOTOP World Cup betting odds but it’s mighty close.

The Koreans can be backed 1X2 @ 2.58 with Ghana 1X2 @ 2.84.

Likewise, with Asian Handicap betting, options include Korea -0.25 @ 2.13, -0.50 @ 2.58, Ghana 0.00 @ 2.21 and -0.25 @ 2.61.

The draw is on offer @ 3.05.

If Ghana were to somehow repeat the outcome of their last friendly on the biggest stage of all, then a tidy pay day awaits you as Correct Score 0-4 is available @ 220.00.

I cannot see that but I can see goals aplenty which is why I am opting for Over 2.50 goals @ 2.42 as my *** tip.

Other options include Total Goals 0-1 @ 2.48, 2-3 1.92 and 4-6 @ 5.00.

 

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