Seeking to reach the last 16 of the World Cup for just the third time in their history, South Korea lock horns with Portugal in a crucial Group H encounter at the Education City Stadium on Friday.
The Tigers of Asia played out a goalless draw against Uruguay in their opening fixture of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, before losing 3-2 in an entertaining contest against Ghana on Monday.
With just one point on the board, South Korea currently sit third in Group H, two points behind Ghana in second place, and Lisbon-born manager Paulo Bento is now required to steer his side to victory against Portugal if they are to have any chance of progressing to the last 16.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at three reasons why South Korea can be confident of picking up a much-needed win against Portugal in their quest to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Previous success against Portugal
South Korea's only previous meeting with Portugal was 20 years ago when they hosted the 2002 World Cup along with Japan. Managed by experienced journeyman Guus Hiddink, the Tigers of Asia claimed a surprise 1-0 victory in their third and final group-stage fixture to qualify as group winners and eliminate Portugal in the process.
With Portugal down to nine men after Joao Pinto and Beto were sent off either side of half time, former Manchester United man Park Ji-Sung netted the only goal of the game in the 70th minute to claim all three points.
South Korea, ranked 51st in the world by FIFA at the time, were considered major underdogs, but they came out on top against a Portugal outfit including star players such as Luis Figo, Fernando Couto and current Tigers of Asia boss Paulo Bento.
The Asian outfit went on to reach the semi-finals in 2002, beating Italy and Spain in the knockout rounds, while other memorable international triumphs include a 1-0 friendly win over Brazil in 1999 and a 2-0 victory against Germany in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. South Korea know how to win on the big occasion and will relish their underdog status against Portugal on Friday.
Potential Portugal rotation
Portugal were one of three teams at this year's World Cup who qualified for the last 16 with a game to spare and they have put themselves in a strong position to secure top spot in Group H.
With that in mind, Fernando Santos may consider freshening up his starting lineup for Friday's contest, which could therefore benefit South Korea's chances of success.
With Ruben Dias one booking away from a suspension and with 39-year-old Pepe potentially unable to play two games in five days, Santos may decide to make a change at centre-back, which could see 19-year-old Antonio Silva handed just his second international cap – the Benfica teen is rated highly by many, but his lack of experience on the global stage could be exploited by South Korea.
Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves and Joao Felix are also one yellow card away from a suspension and may not play the full 90 minutes on Friday, while Nuno Mendes will miss the remainder of the World Cup due to a thigh injury, with Raphael Guerreiro set to take his place at left-back.
Son Heung-min's time to shine?
Son Heung-min's hopes of representing his country at a third World Cup appeared to be in doubt when he required surgery for a fractured eye socket earlier this month. However, the Tottenham Hotspur star recovered in time to make the trip to Qatar and has been wearing a face mask while captaining his side in Group H.
The 30-year-old is bidding to become just the second South Korean in history – after Park Ji-Sung – to score at three consecutive World Cup finals, having previously found the net at the 2014 and 2018 tournaments.
Son scored twice at the World Cup four years ago in Russia, including a strike in the shock 2-0 triumph over four-time world champions Germany.
The attacker is yet to get off the mark in Qatar, but having contributed with 35 goals and 17 assists in 108 international appearances for his country, the six-time South Korean Footballer of the Year will be confident in his abilities to put his stamp on Friday's match as he bids to guide his team into the last 16.
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