World Cup 2022: Can South Korea Finally Solve Iran Struggles?

Iran vs Korea Republic

Top spot in AFC World Cup 2022 qualifying Group A will be on the line when leaders Iran host second-placed South Korea in Tehran. Iran, who have won their first three games in the third qualifying round, currently have a two-point lead over South Korea and could extend it to five with another win at home.

The two countries have been among the giants of Asian football for many years and have developed quite a fierce rivalry. Although, the Iranians have had the edge over the Taeguk Warriors in recent years, particularly in Tehran.

But despite their recent struggles, the South Koreans possess a couple of Premier League stars who can help them defy the World Cup 2022 betting odds and end their winless slump in Tehran.

Talking Points

Iran off to perfect start

Iran have put together some strong World Cup 2022 results in the third round of qualifying. After defeating Syria (1-0) and Iraq (0-3) last month, they picked up a narrow 1-0 away win against the UAE last week. The win extends new Iran coach Dragan Skocic’s impressive start to his tenure with a perfect 10 wins out of 10 – a new record.

Mehdi Taremi is all set to lead Iran in upcoming World Cup 2022 qualifier against South Korea — Porto and Iran’s Mehdi Taremi reacts after his goal was disallowed by VAR during a Champions League game against Atletico Madrid

Star striker Mehdi Taremi scored the decisive goal against the UAE, his 26th goal in 53 caps for his country. Sardar Azmoun set up Taremi’s goal and could have scored one himself, but he missed a last-minute penalty.

Iran have a trio of terrific strikers in Taremi, Azmoun (37 goals in 57 caps), and Karim Ansarifard (29 goals in 88 caps). Azmoun and Ansarifard are the teams’ co-leading scorers with seven goals in qualifying, but Taremi and Azmoun are expected to start up front against South Korea.

Meanwhile, midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh will offer support to the front two. The 28-year-old has 10 goals in 56 caps, including two goals in the first three games of the third qualifying round.

But as deadly as Iran’s attack can be, coach Dragan Skocic has built his early success on the back of a rock-solid defence. With experienced captain Ehsan Hajsafi (116 caps) leading the way, Iran have conceded just two goals in Skokic’s first 10 games in charge and have kept six straight clean sheets.

South Korea looking uninspired

South Korea are playing catchup to Iran after stumbling to a goalless home draw against Iraq in their opening third-round match. But the Taeguk Warriors have bounced back from that setback with consecutive home wins against Lebanon (1-0) and Syria (2-1).

Although, neither win was particularly convincing. They laboured for long stretches against Lebanon and needed a winning goal from superstar captain Son Heung-min two minutes from time to beat Syria last time out.

But despite their recent struggles, South Korea remain a major threat as they have two legitimate match-winners in Son and fellow Premier League star Hwang Hee-chan.

Hwang, who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers, is quickly making his mark for his new club with three goals in his first four Premier League appearances.

The trio of Son, Hwang, and Hwang Ui-jo – who has 14 goals in 39 caps – is every bit as good as Iran’s trio of Taremi, Azmoun, and Ansarifard. Son, who has 28 goals in 93 caps, is starting to rediscover his scoring form for his country with three goals in his last three appearances.

But based on his track record, coach Paulo Bento could opt to play a more conservative, counterattacking style away against Iran to minimise his team’s chances of suffering a costly defeat.

opacity 0

CLICK HERE
TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

World Cup

History

Iran and South Korea have met 31 times overall. The Iranians hold a 13-9 edge in terms of wins, with nine draws. Although, both teams’ goals scored and goals conceded is identical at 33 apiece.

Iran’s success against South Korea is mostly down to their superior home form. The Iranians are unbeaten in seven home games against the Taeguk Warriors, with five wins and two draws. Moreover, the Iranians are unbeaten in their last six meetings overall against South Korea.

The last two meetings between the two countries – in 2017 and in 2019 – were in Seoul and both ended in draws. But Iran won the previous four meetings – three World Cup qualification games and a friendly – three of which were at home.

The South Koreans have scored just one goal in their last six matches against Iran, who have scored five.

Betting Tip

	Iran vs South Korea	1X2 Iran @ 2.15
	October 12, 21:30 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have Iran installed as 2.15 favourites at home with Korea Republic priced at 3.25. A draw is at 3.05.

While South Korea might have the best player on the pitch in Son, it’s hard to go against Iran in this one. South Korea’s struggles against Iran, especially in Tehran, are hard to ignore. And even with the likes of Son and Hwang, the Taeguk Warriors’ recent form does not inspire much confidence that they can score against a well-drilled Iranian defence.

And with the likes of Taremi and Azmoun leading their attack, Iran should find a way to pick up another win over their fierce rivals and extend their lead atop Group A.