Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Mexico caused the shock of the World Cup match day one with a stunning win over holders Germany. Whilst it was only 1-0, they thoroughly deserved the three points and in reality should have scored much more such was their excellent ability on the break. And, they will look to back that up with a win against South Korea that would virtually assure them of progress to the last 16.
Meanwhile, South Korea fell to a very disappointing 1-0 defeat to Sweden which means they need to target all three points against the Mexicans if they want to progress. However, they will have to improve significantly, as they looked toothless against Sweden, failing to register a shot on target and only showing any real attacking intent in the final ten minutes.
Here we will give you South Korea vs Mexico betting tips, look at where the game will be won, the key players and a South Korea vs Mexico prediction for the Group F encounter.
Our South Korea vs Mexico Prediction: South Korea 0-2 Mexico
Our South Korea vs Mexico prediction tips is for Mexico to back up their win against Germany with another three points that will leave them on the verge of qualification.
Mexico were superb against Germany, with the world champions unable to live with the speed, dribbling ability and creativity of Juan Carlos Osorio’s men. Yet, they will face a different test in Rostov with South Korea sure to sit deep and prevent the Mexicans countering and breaking with speed. Therefore, the manager may have to go with a different approach but it shouldn’t trouble El Tri too much.
Similarly, South Korea will have to adapt as even a draw isn’t going to do them much good. They need to play with more speed, purpose and intent as they lacked all of that in their first match. Son Heung-min needs to be given more freedom and is the man who could cause trouble for Mexico.
Our recommended tip – Mexico to win
El Tri will approach this game with such confidence after beating Germany and that, combined with their extra quality, should be enough for them to see off South Korea.
Whilst Son is a major threat, the reality is that Mexico have much better players. Carlos Vela and Hirving Lozano are major threats in the final third whilst Javier Hernandez was brilliant against Germany and is capable of finishing off moves. With South Korea needing to show more intent, it could actually suit Mexico too.
Previous matches
The clash in Rostov will be the 12th meeting between the nations and Mexico have just had the better of it, winning six but losing four of the previous 11. It will be the second World Cup meeting, with Mexico prevailing 3-1 back in 1998.
As for their recent games, as mentioned, Mexico were superb against Germany, with their counter attacking style too hot for the champions to handle. They played with pace, intensity and thoroughly deserved their win and it sent a real statement to the rest of the tournament that they are capable of beating anyone.
Alternatively, South Korea were poor, struggling to play with tempo and failing to deal with the physicality of the Swedes but Mexico won’t offer a similar threat. They will hope to keep the ball better and more importantly look for incisive dangerous passes instead of keeping possession in areas that didn’t matter.
Top 3 World Cup Bookies
Players to watch – Son Heung-min & Hirving Lozano
The Spurs man is easily the standout player for South Korea and is under serious pressure to deliver for his country. He has the pace, power and skill to cause trouble to any defence and will fancy his chances against Mexico if he gets the service. However, that’s not always reliable and he needs to do all he can to lead for his team and to give them a cutting edge in the final third that has been lacking.
Whilst there were many standouts against Germany, matchwinner Lozano was the star man. His dribbling ability and pace makes him so tough to stop and Mexico will look to get the ball to him as quickly as possible. He enjoyed a fine season with PSV, took that into the Germany game and will look to excel again in Rostov.
