AFC Asian Cup: Can South Korea Keep Up the Winning Streak?

Korea Republic vs Bahrain

South Korea didn’t have an ideal start in the AFC Asian Cup, but they seem to be peaking just at the right time as they prepare for their Round of 16 clash against lucky Bahrain.

The Taeguk Warriors are only one of three teams to stay unbeaten in the group stage of the competition, but they know the job is far from over as they enter the knockout stage.

It’s go big or go home at this point of the continental tournament, and South Korea—considered as one of the favourites to win the title—have a tough road to travel for their third Asian title and first since 1960.

Bahrain, who qualified by virtue of being one of the best third-placed teams, look easy opponents on paper. But make no mistake, they have a penchant for beating better opposition.

Talking Points

The biggest storyline so far, and one that made the AFC Asian Cup 2019 news headlines, was South Korea’s convincing display against an in-form China team in their final Group C game.

South Korea struggled in their first two matches, scoring just once versus the Philippine Azkals and Kyrgyzstan. In fact, in their opener against the Philippine team, they controlled 88 percent of possession but had a difficult time finishing.

Their performances during that poor stretch raised plenty of concerns about their ability to dominate, and it was an issue highlighted before they played China who scored five massive goals in the buildup of the high-profile clash.

However, South Korea responded to the challenge big time and showed China what a World Cup team could do. They obliterated Team Dragon who had little chance in the game and never even found the back of the net.

The Taegeuk Warriors are the favourites to win the AFC Asian Cup 2019 — Korea Republic players celebrate a goal during their 2-0 win against China in the AFC Asian Cup

Son Heung-min, perhaps Asia’s most prolific forward, was a major reason for the team’s quick turnaround. He almost played the whole 90 minutes, all while displaying his brilliant touch that troubled China throughout.

It’s hard to believe how one player alone can change a team so quickly, but Son showed that. According to statistics, the Tottenham Hotspur star has created the most chances among all South Korean players in the tournament—that despite playing in just one game!

There’s no doubt South Korea are different with Son on the roster, and they are expected to be even more formidable after a weeklong rest. (It should be noted that Son played in a brutal 13-game stretch for Tottenham since December)

Bahrain, of course, will be ready for the test (or hope they will be). After a relatively mediocre run that saw them record one win, one defeat and one loss in three group stage games, they are already lucky reaching this stage.

However, luck is something that teams shouldn’t write off or ignore. Bahrain lost to a lower-ranked team in Thailand, but they did play out a 1-1 draw with no.79 United Arab Emirates and won against 97th-ranked India. Bahrain are rated 113th in the world.

“They have defeated top teams like former World Cup champions Germany at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but we are not unduly daunted,” Bahrain Football Association vice president Shaikh Khalid said, via Digital Gulf News.

“Our qualification from Group ‘A’ proves that we are capable of matching the best teams. We want to take another step forward and are very motivated to achieve our goals. The chances are equal between our team and South Korea specially when it comes to knock out stage, so whoever performs well will win.”

History

The two teams have met three times since 2007, twice in the Asian Cup. Interestingly, they won one each in the Asian competition while the other one—an international friendly—ended in a 2-2 draw.

South Korea won their last meeting, a 2-1 victory at Doha in 2011. Koo Ja-cheol, who is part of the current Korea Republic delegation, scored twice in the game. Son Heung-min also featured, albeit as a second-half substitute.

Their other Asian Cup bout happened last 2007, with Bahrain coming out as 2-1 winners at Jakarta, Indonesia.

Betting Tip

	Korea Republic vs Bahrain	Korea Republic Correct Score 3-0 @ 6.60
	January 22, 21:00 (GMT+8)

South Korea are the favourites for a reason. Football fans say that. The media pundits believe that. And even the AFC Asian Cup 2019 odds at SBOBET point to a one-sided affair!

When it comes to squad depth, quality and experience, South Korea are the better team by far.

Of course, we are yet to see what they can do offensively, but the rest they had should work to their advantage.

It shouldn’t also be forgotten that the Taeguk Warriors are yet to concede a goal in the competition. If an assertive China squad can’t score against them, how much more a Bahrain team that has only made three goals so far?