World Cup
2010-06-26 - Uruguay vs South Korea
A Sports Betting Pick by Goober
Football ; FIFA World Cup 2010 : Second Round
Saturday, 26th June 2010 - Kickoff 3pm BST / 4pm local
The knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup begin Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth as Uruguay meet South Korea.
Uruguay (2-0-1, 1st place Group A)
Uruguay was one of the most impressive teams from the group stages and have yet to concede a goal. After an ugly goalless draw with France, La Celeste dominated the hosts 3-0 and then beat a good Mexico side 1-0 to ensure top place in the group. Now they will try to earn their first quarterfinal appearance since 1970.
The main playmakers for Uruguay both got on the score sheet in the group stages. Diego Forlan had a brace against South Africa, the second coming from a penalty kick. Luis Suarez scored the only goal of the match against Mexico.
The introduction of Cavani into the lineup may have been what the team needed. He did not start against France, but did against South Africa and Mexico. I would expect Uruguay to continue with Cavani and to use the 4-3-3 lineup that was used against South Africa and Mexico.
There was also good news in that Jorge Fucile had to leave the game against South Africa after picking up a knock, but was able to start against Mexico.
A 1990 win over South Korea is the only time Uruguay has faced an Asian side at the World Cup.
Through Thursday, South American sides are yet to lose. That will likely change with Chile playing Spain on Friday, but that doesn't change the fact that South American sides have exceeded expectations.
South Korea (1-1-1, 2nd place Group B)
South Korea showed a good performance in the group stages. Things began very well with a 2-0 victory over Greece. They were dominant in the game, but it’s hard to say if they were that good or Greece were just that bad. Argentina ran them over 4-1 in the second game.
South Korea led Nigeria 2-1 in the second half before conceding a penalty that allowed Nigeria to equalize. However, Nigeria missed numerous chances.
Korea will be looking to repeat their performance from their 2002 semi-final appearance.
Defender Lee Jung-Soo has scored twice for Korea, while Manchester Utd’s Park Ji-Sung, Lee Chung-Yong and Park Chu-Young have also scored one apiece.
Korea will likely utilize the same 4-4-2 formation as they have been using. They can control the ball well and are a very sound unit.
South Korea has played South American sides 4 times in the World Cup, losing 3 and drawing 1. The losses have been to Argentina (1986 and this year) and Uruguay (1990), with the draw coming to Bolivia in 1994.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides have met five times, with Uruguay winning 4 and 1 draw. The only World Cup game between the two was in the 1990 World Cup, when Uruguay won 1-0 on a 90th minute goal.
THE BETTING PREDICTION
This should be an entertaining match with both sides playing well and able to create good chances. I think that Uruguay just has a bit more up front and in the back.
Argentina and Nigeria both created numerous chances and I think Uruguay will be able to do the same. They have been impressive from the start and I don’t see that ending here.
Look for Uruguay to get the job done in 90 minutes.
The Pick :
Uruguay 2-1 South Korea (or 2-0)
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Uruguay to win @ 1.91.For a small side bet, take Forlan to score at 6/4.
