In the Asian Cup quarter-finals, Australia and South Korea meet again for the third time in four editions at Al Janoub Stadium on Friday. Australia cruised to a 4-0 win over Indonesia, while South Korea advanced with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory after drawing with Saudi Arabia.
Match: Australia vs South Korea
Date: 02/02/2024
Time: 2:30 PM UTC
Vennue: Al Janoub Stadium
Australia and South Korea meet in the Asian Cup quarter-finals, both teams boasting impressive form. While South Korea has shown resilience, Australia’s disciplined performance suggests they may edge ahead. With both teams securing two wins and sharing a draw, victories have often been decided by slim margins, highlighting the intensity of their encounters. With Australia’s strong defense potentially outmatching South Korea’s vulnerabilities, we predict a narrow 2-1 victory for Australia in what could be a pivotal match.
Prediction: Australia to win
Betting Tips: Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score – YES
Total Matches – 8
Australia wins – 2
South Korea wins – 3
Draw – 3
Australia
Australia enters the upcoming fixture with momentum, buoyed by a strong defensive display and a potent attack. Their recent 4-0 victory over Indonesia showcased their attacking prowess, matching their group stage goal tally. Under Graham Arnold’s leadership, they remain unbeaten in eight consecutive matches, boasting a dominant 20-1 goal difference. With Arnold’s impressive managerial record and a solid defensive record in knockout stages, conceding only three goals since 2011, Australia presents a formidable challenge for South Korea in the upcoming clash.
South Korea
South Korea, buoyed by a resilient last-16 victory, faces Australia on Friday. With a second consecutive quarter-final appearance, they’ve shown late-game prowess, scoring four of their six goals in the tournament after the 80th minute. While defensively strong before the Asian Cup, conceding just once in seven matches, they’ve shown vulnerabilities, conceding seven goals in four Asian Cup matches. Nonetheless, their recent record against Australia suggests they could pose a significant challenge.
Australia
Graham Arnold’s team has no suspensions but may miss starting right back Gethin Jones due to injury. Nathaniel Atkinson could step in if needed, otherwise, the lineup is likely to remain unchanged.
South Korea
Jurgen Klinsmann’s team lost starting goalkeeper Seung-gyu Kim to injury, ruling him out for the tournament. Aside from Kim’s absence, no other injury or suspension concerns exist. Klinsmann is likely to stick with his preferred lineup for the upcoming match.
Australia to win – 3.50
South Korea to win – 2.20
Draw – 3.10
BTTS(YES) – 2.18
BTTS(NO) – 1.64
Over 2.5 Goals – 2.66
Under 2.5 Goals -1.48
Australia: M. Boyle, K. Baccus, J. Irvine, J. Bos, R. McGree, B. Fornaroli, M. Ryan, N. Atkinson, H. Souttar, K. Rowles, A. Behich
South Korea: J. Lee, I. Hwang, Y. Seol, K. Lee, W. Jeong, H. Son, H. Jo, S. Jung, M. Kim, Y. Kim, T. Kim
Sky Sports