Thailand vs South Korea Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips | World Cup Qualifiers
- Date: 26 March, Tuesday
- Kick-off Time: 12:30 PM (GMT)
- Stadium: Rajamangala Stadium
Thailand vs South Korea Preview:
Heung-min Son-led South Korean side will take on Thailand for the second time in seven days as both teams contest in the World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Group C. When the two sides met last night, the game ended in a surprising 1-1 draw as Thailand came back from a goal deficit in the second half to stun South Korea. South Korea have been exceptional till now and they lead the group with seven points. After a heartbreaking exit from the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup against Jordan earlier in the year, South Korea under Son Heung Min seems determined to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA.
On the other end of the spectrum are Thailand. Thailand made an impressive run in the AFC Asian Cup as they were knocked out by a close margin in the round of 16 by Uzbekistan. Manager Masatada Ishii took over the Thai national team in December last year and has been trying to lay out a long-term plan for the side. While they have significantly improved in defense under Ishii, Thailand have continued to struggle in front of goal and have scored only three goals in their last six outings. Their superb display against the dominant South Korea on Thursday will certainly motivate them to keep going.
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Thailand vs South Korea Team News:
Thailand:
Coming into the game against South Korea, Thailand are currently ranked 101 in FIFA rankings. The nation will be proud of their growth over the last couple of years as only in 2021 they were ranked 125. The rapid improvement is partially credited to the current squad as it has improved by miles. Captain Theerathon Bunmathan has led the side bravely and took Thailand to an impressive new high in the AFC Asian Cup.
Against South Korea, Thailand will have an entirely fit squad. While the captain Theerathon Bunmathan seemed to have sustained an injury against South Korea on Thursday, he seems to be back in training and will play on Tuesday as well.
South Korea:
Heung Min Son’s South Korea have had an interesting few months and will look to find their best squad for the upcoming World Cup. Apart from their loss in the AFC Asian Cup semi-finals to Jordan, South Korea last lost a game in June to Preu. This terrific form backed by an energetic young squad could prove to be valuable as they look to become the best Asian footballing nation.
On Tuesday, South Korea will enter the battle against Thailand with no injuries in the squad and will look to earn three crucial points to stamp their authority in the Asian World Cup Qualifiers.
Thailand vs South Korea Predicted Lineups:
Thailand Expected XI:
Patiwat Khammai (GK), Nicholas Mickelson, Suphan Thongsong, Pansa Hemviboon, Theerathon Bunmathan (C), Jaroensak Wonggorn, Peeradol Chamra-tsamee, Weerathep Pomphan, Supachok Sarachart, Supachai Chaided, Chanathip Songkrasin
South Korea Expected XI:
Hyeon–woo-Jo (GK), Young woo Seol, Min-Jae Kim, Young-Gwon Kim, Jin-su Kim, Seung-Ho paik, In-Beom Hwang, Jae-Sung Lee, Woo-Yeong Jeong, Heung Min Son (C), Min-kyu Ju
Thailand vs South Korea Head-to-Head record:
Since 2016, Thailand and South Korea have faced each other only twice. The Thailand vs South Korea friendly back in 2016 resulted in a 0-1 win in South Korea’s favor. Meanwhile, their latest outing on Thursday saw the two sides fight tooth and nail in the 1-1 draw. While South Korea are a much stronger side, Thailand showed grit to fight for a draw and in front of their home fans on Tuesday, they will attempt to secure a shock victory.
The last two results:
- South Korea 1-1 Thailand:- FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers – 21 March, 2024
- Thailand 0-1 South Korea:- International Friendly – 27 March, 2016
Thailand vs South Korea Prediction:
In a battle between David and Goliath, rarely does David succeed in defeating Goliath in real life. While Thailand were exceptional in holding South Korea to a 1-1 draw away from home on Thursday, it seems nearly impossible that they will repeat the feat cum Tuesday. However, with the right motivation, Thailand could manage to upset South Korea. On paper, the Thailand vs South Korea battle seems one-sided and tilts heavily in South Korea’s favor.
Predicted Score:- Thailand 1-3 South Korea
Thailand vs South Korea Betting Tips and Odds:
Bookmakers expect South Korea to secure a comfortable win against Thailand away from home.
- South Korea win: Extremely Likely
- Draw: Unlikely
- Thailand win: Unlikely
Where to watch Thailand vs South Korea:
- Thailand: PPTV HD
- South Korea: Coupang Play
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