Korea Republic vs Uruguay
Korea Republic and Uruguay meet again. The two faced off at the World Cup 2022 group stage, which ended in a goalless draw. This time, they will clash in an international friendly and will both be led by new coaches.
Jurgen Klinsmann kicked off his Korea Republic reign in somewhat disappointing fashion as his side surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Colombia.
But the international friendly 2023 betting odds will back his side to get him his first win in charge as they host Uruguay in Seoul.
La Celeste’s their new-look, youth-filled squad will be led by interim coach Marcelo Broli, who took over after Diego Alonso’s resignation due to their failure to progress from the World Cup group stage.
Talking Points
Klinsmann’s Korea Republic still have work to do
Jurgen Klinsmann’s reign as Korea Republic boss was seemingly headed to a winning start. The Taeguk Warriors found themselves two up at half-time against Colombia thanks to brace by captain Son Heung-Min.
However, the Koreans conspired to throw away that lead as James Rodriguez and Jorge Carrascal both scored within the first four minutes of the second half.
Klinsmann lined up his side in a more adventurous 4-4-2 formation, with two wingers and a front two of Son and Cho Gue-sung, who was one of the breakout stars of the World Cup. That is a departure from the more conservative formations and playing styles that they used under former coach Paulo Bento.
However, the fact that they lost their two-goal lead so easily indicates the challenge Klinsmann has in terms of finding the right balance of attacking flair and defensive solidity.
Although, Klinsmann will be pleased that his big star Son produced some international friendly 2023 highlights as he increased his career tally to 37 goals in 109 caps. After sharing the Golden Boot in the Premier League last season, the 30-year-old has had a tough season at Tottenham, with just six goals with four assists in 26 games.
Big changes for La Celeste
Uruguay are in a transition phase at the moment. Not only are their superstars from the previous generation – Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Diego Godin – likely out of the national team setup for good, but they are also still searching for a replacement for head coach Diego Alonso after his resignation following their disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended in the group stage.
Marcelo Broli remains in charge of the team on an interim basis, and he has called up a more youthful side that is missing many big names. Aside from the ageing veterans, he is also without Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, and midfield playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta, all due to injury.
In their absence, Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde captained the side for the first time and scored in their 1-1 draw in an international friendly against Japan. Valverde lined up centrally, playing just behind centre-forward Maxi Gomez, and he will likely continue in that role against South Korea.
La Celeste outshot their hosts 10-6 despite conceding 56 per cent of possession, which is a decent accomplishment. But in the absence of Suarez, Cavani, and Nunez, they will continue to rely on Gomez, who does not have the best goalscoring record for his country (just four goals in 30 caps).
History
This will be the 10th all-time meeting between Korea Republic and Uruguay. The South Americans hold a 6-1 advantage in wins over the South Koreans.
However, the Taeguk Warriors have gone unbeaten in their last two meetings against Uruguay. They won 2-1 in their last international friendly back in 2018. And the two sides played out a goalless draw in last year’s World Cup.
Betting Tip
SBOTOP odds have Korea Republic installed as 2.15 favourites to win at home against Uruguay, who are priced at 2.88. A draw is 3.25.
While Korea Republic were unable to get Klinsmann his first win last time out against Colombia, they should like their chances against this significantly limited Uruguay team which lacks a reliable goalscorer.
Look for home advantage to spur the South Koreans on as they claim their maiden win under their new coach against La Celeste.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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