Korea Republic vs Iran
Two of the top three Asia nations in the FIFA World Rankings collide as Korea Republic host Iran for an International friendly in Seoul.
The South Koreans — who are ranked No. 37 in the world — are coming off another win against Australia to extend their friendly winning streak to three matches. Meanwhile, No. 21-ranked Iran also produced a fine performance in their first piece of action since the Asian Cup in January.
The international friendly 2019 predictions for this match are unlikely to have a consensus winner given how close the two teams are in terms of quality. But that could make for a competitive matchup that SBOBET football fans can enjoy.
Talking Points
South Korea keep racking up wins
After a bit of a rocky start which saw him draw four of his first seven matches, coach Paulo Bento has produced a lot more consistency out of Korea Republic, which has been evident in their international friendly 2019 results.
The Taeguk Warriors have won seven of their last eight matches, with their lone defeat coming against eventual champions Qatar in the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup.
They have won their three friendlies since that defeat, one of which was against a top South American side in Colombia.
Paulo Bento’s playing style has seen Korea Republic significantly improve their defence. They have allowed more than one goal just once in his 15 matches in charge, which came in a 2-2 draw against Panama.
Although, Korea also haven’t been able to produce too many goals. They’ve scored over two goals just once in those 15 outings (4-0 vs. Uzbekistan).
But while the Taeguk Warriors haven’t found the back of the net too often, they do have the one player capable of producing something special in Heung-min Son, who has 24 goals in 80 international caps.
The Tottenham star is coming off a gruelling season having helped Spurs reach the Champions League final, where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.
And despite being roughed up a bit by Australia, Son says he is fine physically and will be ready to play against Iran.
Iran’s new manager
Iran were in action for the first time since the Asian Cup in a recent friendly against Syria, which was also the debut of new manager Marc Wilmots. The Belgian got off to a winning start as the Iranians delivered a comfortable 5-0 victory with Mehdi Taremi netting a hat-trick.
Wilmots was named Iran boss in May. He succeeds Carlos Queiroz, who was at the job since 2011 but his contract wasn’t renewed. Queiroz, who helped Iran qualify for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, got them to the semi-finals of the 2019 Asian Cup, where they fell 3-0 to Japan.
Wilmots inherits an experienced side with 10 players who already have around 38 or more caps. Meanwhile, Taremi appears to be the star of the next generation. The 26-year-old striker already has 19 goals in 41 appearances for his country and has attracted interest from multiple clubs in Europe.
This is Wilmots’ first coaching job since his disappointing spell as manager of the Ivory Coast back in 2017. He lasted just six matches, winning one, drawing two, and losing three.
And prior to that, he spent four years as manager of Belgium, where he reached the quarter-finals of both the 2012 World Cup and Euro 2016.
But despite his experience, it will still be a tough ask for Wilmots to get a positive result away to a very difficult opponent like Korea Republic in just his second game in charge.
History
Iran and Korea Republic have met on 34 occasions all-time. Iran hold the edge with 15 wins to Korea’s 12, while the two teams have shared seven draws.
Iran have had the significant upper hand over their Asian rivals for over a decade now. They have gone nine matches unbeaten against Korea Republic (five wins, four draws), and won four consecutive meetings from 2012 to 2016.
Korea’s last triumph against Iran came all the way back in 2007 in the AFC Asian Cup, although that came on penalties. The last time they beat Iran within 90 minutes was in an international friendly in 2005.
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