South Korea vs Czech Republic Predicted Lineups & Team News

The World Cup has arrived and in the early hours of Friday morning (UK time), South Korea and Czech Republic do battle at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan.

Let’s take a look at all the latest team news, key players and Predicted Lineups ahead of South Korea and Czech Republic…

South Korea:

South Korea come into this World Cup as the Asian team with the most appearances, with 12 in total. However, their record is mediocre to say the least, with just seven wins from 38 games.

Their manager Hong Myung-bo was their captain during their greatest World Cup experience, when co-hosting the tournament in 2002 with Japan and is looking to lead the Taegeuk Warriors to their best World Cup performance yet. They certainly looked impressive in Asian qualification, remaining unbeaten and smashing in 40 goals in total.

Korea should start in a 3-4-3 line up with top scorer Son Heung-Min centre of the front three alongside Wolves' Hwang Hee-Chan and PSG forward Lee Kang-In. Other star names include Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-Jae, who anchors the back three. However fellow defender Cho Yu-min missed the 26-man squad after picking up a foot injury.

Czech Republic:

Unlike their opponents, the Czechs stumbled into the World Cup Finals via the playoff route, after a truly abject 2-1 loss against the Faroe Islands saw them finish runners up behind Croatia in UEFA Group L. Then they somehow ground out two penalty wins against Republic of Ireland and Denmark, after two thrilling 2-2 draws, to claim their first World Cup appearance since Germany 2006.

Head Coach Miroslav Koubek is in the twilight of his managerial career at 74 and stamped his authority when replacing Tomas Soucek with Ladislav Krejci, who will start on the left of a back three alongside Hoffenheim's Robin Hranac. There is further Bundesliga representation with Vladimir Coufal and Patrik Schick.

West Ham's Soucek will anchor the midfield and Schick will hopefully be fed by main playmaker Pavel Sulc of Lyon. The playoff penalty hero Matej Kovar will be between the sticks.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live South Korea vs Czech Republic Odds over on betfred.com

South Korea vs Czech Republic Key Players:

Son Heung-Min (South Korea) 

This was an obvious pick with Son needing just two more international goals to become Korea's record goal scorer. He registered 14 goals in qualifying and the LAFC striker will be used to the conditions in North America.

At 33, this could well be his last hurrah on the World Cup stage and 'Sonny' will be keen to go out with a bang.

Patrik Schick (Czech Republic)

Whilst not as famous to UK viewers as Son, Schick will be recognisable from his performances at previous major tournaments, where he has scored six goals in seven appearances, including a couple of absolute stunners.

The 30-year-old has been in great form for Bayer Leverkusen since signing for the club in 2020 and has 80 goals in Germany, including 16 last season. He also has 25 goals in just 52 caps for 'Repre' and will look to add to that in Mexico on Friday morning.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com