South Korea vs. Portugal 12/2/22 World Cup Soccer Picks, Predictions, Odds

South Korea and Portugal face off on Friday in a World Cup Group H soccer showdown at the Education City Stadium. 

Portugal currently sits in 1st place in the group having picked up six points. Portugal opened up the World Cup with a 3-2 victory over Ghana. In the last game against Uruguay, the offense scored two goals and the defense didn’t give up any goals. Portugal had three shots on target and 60 percent of the possession. Nuno Mendes was hurt in the last game, and he’s going to be out for the rest of the World Cup. Danilo is also dealing with fractured ribs, and he’s going to be out for this game. Cristiano Ronaldo also didn’t train on Wednesday, and it’s unclear if he’s going to be able to go in this game. 

On the other side of this matchup is South Korea, who sits in 3rd place in the group having picked up a point. South Korea opened up the World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Uruguay. In the last game against Ghana, they had high hopes, but the defense gave up three goals, and they ended up losing 3-2. Cho Gue-Sung scored in the 58th and 61st minute. Hwang Hee-chan is still dealing with a hamstring injury, and there doesn’t seem to be much hope that he’s going to be playing here. Kim Min-jae is going to start in the middle of the defense, and he’s going to need to be strong here. 

South Korea knows they need three points heading into this game, and I expect they are going to get that. Portugal is dealing with some major injuries right now, and South Korea finally got the offense going here. Look for South Korea to score at least two goals here, and they are going to secure the victory. Back South Korea on the money line.