South Korea vs China: Clash of Titans in AFC Asian Cup!

Korea Republic vs China PR

South Korea and China are through to the Round of 16 of the AFC Asian Cup, but that doesn’t mean the fight is over for them. Not with the bragging rights and the top spot in Group C at stake.

The two Asian powerhouses meet for the final group stage game, and it’s set to be a cracker as they both aim to keep their immaculate record intact heading to the knockout rounds of the continental competition.

Sure enough, recent AFC Asian Cup 2019 results will tell you that China are the better team. But make no mistake; while the mighty Taeguk Warriors struggled at the start of the tournament, they are more than capable of stepping up at big moments.

Talking Points

Litmus test for dreaming Dragons

China’s Team Dragon are off to a hot start to the tournament, and it’s not surprising to see them top Group C with six points and a +4 goal difference, two ahead of South Korea.

Marcello Lippi’s men have scored five goals already, including three against the Philippines—the same team that limited the Taeguk Warriors to just one goal in their opening match.

They did concede a first-half goal versus Kyrgyzstan and appeared to be on the losing end before turning things around in the second period.

However, while China couldn’t wish for a better start than this, they know very well that the real challenge only begins against the Koreans. Philippines and Kyrgyzstan are debutants in the Asian Cup and aren’t really expected to put up much of a resistance against them, but South Korea are different.

South Korea have already won the quadrennial event twice and even went so close in 2015 when they finish second, losing to Australia in the final by a 2-1 scoreline.

China PR defeat Philippines 3-0 in the AFC Asian Cup — China PR players celebrate their second goal against Philippines in the Matchday 2 of AFC Asian Cup Group C

In contrast, China are yet to win the Asian Cup. While the Chinese Super League has grown in quality in recent years, thereby producing more top-level players, the nation has not bagged a silverware worth boasting in the international scene.

South Korea are undoubtedly the more experienced squad. And if their stint in the World Cup—highlighted by their remarkable win over Germany—is factored in, then China are by far the huge underdogs entering the matchup.

There’s also the pressure for China to deliver, especially with Lippi’s contract set to expire at the end of the competition.

What will South Korea do with Son Heung Min?

Perhaps the biggest star of the Asian Cup, Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min is expected to feature for South Korea against China.

Son missed the first two games of the competition due to his deal with his Premier League club. Now, he has re-joined the Taeguk Warriors just in time for their high-profile clash against Team Dragon.

Of course, the issue is how long Son will play and whether he will start for the team. After all, South Korea manager Paulo Bento is likely to ease the Spurs star back into the lineup after playing nearly 1000 minutes for Tottenham this 2018-19 campaign.

Son’s presence is a massive boost for South Korea. He is one of the best footballers that Asia has produced, and his current season tally of 12 goals for the Spurs is second-best in the team—behind Harry Kane who has already hit 20 for Tottenham.

China will be wary of the threat that Son brings, but they will be hopeful with their recent scoring run. Shanghai SIPG midfielder Wu Lei and Beijing Guoan forward Yu Dabao have two markers each, and the two prolific scorers will likely lead the charge in China’s search for an upset.

History

The two teams have split their past three meetings equally, winning one each and drawing the other one.

Their last encounter was in the East Asian Football Championship, a game that ended up 2-2. However, they were without their best players during that time.

Before that, they played a two-legged qualifier for the World Cup. South Korea won the opening tie in Seoul 3-2, but China avenged their loss in the return fixture and took a 1-0 victory in front of their home fans at the He Long Stadium in Changsha.

Betting Tip

	Korea Republic vs China PR	1X2 Draw @ 3.60
	January 16, 21:30 (GMT+8)

The AFC Asian Cup 2019 odds at SBOBET point to a South Korea win, and it’s important to note that the Taeguk Warriors are overwhelming favourites.

While experience and squad depth are the reasons for that, I think it won’t be as one-sided as most people predict.

China have already beaten South Korea, so they know the formula to win against their fellow Asian giants. Moreover, considering that Bento’s charges are still finding their rhythm offensively, it’s safe to assume that South Korea will focus defensively.

With all these considered, I expect few goals in a match that could well end up in a draw.