Uruguay v South Korea predictions: South Americans look serious contenders

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Uruguay v South Korea in World Cup Group H on Thursday.

Where to watch

BBC One, 1pm Thursday

Best bet

Uruguay
3pts 3-4 Betfred, BoyleSports, Hills

Uruguay's squad is packed with top-class club and international experience and they should be too strong for a South Korea side whose star man Heung-Min Son is unlikely to be at his best after facial surgery.

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Match preview

Uruguay won the World Cup in 1930 and 1950 but the South Americans' recent form at the finals is also solid and their 2022 crop should make a strong start against South Korea in Group H.

They reached the semi-finals in 2010, assisted by the mischievous hand of Luis Suarez in a controversial last-eight win over Ghana, lost to Colombia in the last 16 four years later, and made the quarter-finals in 2018 when they were knocked out by champions France.

There is no shortage of World Cup experience in the current squad as forwards Suarez and Edinson Cavani, defenders Diego Godin and Martin Caceres and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera are all aged 35 or older.

However, coach Diego Alonso has not been afraid to freshen up the team after taking over from long-serving manager Oscar Tabarez last December.

Record goalscorer Suarez is seemingly undroppable but Muslera has been displaced by Nacional goalkeeper Sergio Rochet in recent games, Cavani is likely to be used as a substitute, and Godin is set to start against South Korea only because Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo is still working his way back to full fitness.

Araujo is one of a clutch of Uruguay players in their mid-20s who have established themselves at top European clubs. Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez, Napoli's Mathias Olivera, Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur, Real Madrid's Federico Valverde and Liverpool's Darwin Nunez should all start the opening game and that Champions League quality gives them a clear edge over South Korea.

Uruguay finished third behind Brazil and Argentina in South American qualifying. They lost 1-0 to Iran in a September friendly but that was a rare blip for a side who have kept seven clean sheets in their last nine outings, winning six of those matches.

South Korea were pipped to top spot in their Asian qualifying group by Iran, scoring only 13 goals in ten matches against Team Melli, the UAE, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

That meagre tally explains why Heung-Min Son's injury is such a worry for the Taeguk Warriors. The Tottenham forward had surgery on a fractured eye socket earlier this month but is determined to play in a protective mask.

Like Gareth Bale for Wales, Son is the undisputed icon of his national team. However, his club form has dipped significantly since the end of last season, when he shared the Premier League's Golden Boot with Mohammed Salah, and South Korea may struggle to avoid defeat against a classy and experienced Uruguay side.

Key stat

Uruguay have won six of their last nine internationals to nil.

Team news

Uruguay
Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo may not be risked in the opener so veteran Diego Godin should start. Facundo Pellistri and Giorgian de Arrascaeta are competing for a place in the front three alongside Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez.

South Korea
Heung-Min Son is set to play in a protective mask after surgery on a fractured eye socket but Hee-Chan Hwang has been ruled out. Napoli's Min-Jae Kim will start at the heart of defence.

Probable teams

Uruguay (4-3-3) Rochet; Varela, Godin, Gimenez, Olivera; Bentancur, Vecino, Valverde; De Arrascaeta, L Suarez, Nunez

South Korea (4-3-3) Seung-Gyu Kim; Moon-Hwan Kim, Young-Gwon Kim, Min-Jae Kim, Jin-Su Kim; Woo-Young Jung, In-Beom Hwang, Jae-Sung Lee; Woo-Yeong Jeong, Heung-Min Son, Ui-Jo Hwang

Inside info

Uruguay

Top scorer in probable team Luis Suarez
Star player Federico Valverde
Penalty taker Luis Suarez
Assist ace Federico Valverde
Set-piece aerial threat Darwin Nunez
Card magnet Rodrigo Bentancur

South Korea

Top scorer in probable team Heung-Min Son
Star player Heung-Min Son
Penalty taker Heung-Min Son
Assist ace Woo-Yeong Jung
Set-piece aerial threat Min-Jae Kim
Card magnet Woo-Young Jung

Uruguay v South Korea Bet Builder

Uruguay to win
Diego Alonso's squad looks full of quality and they should make a winning start in Group H
Under 3.5 goals
South Korea are short of firepower and Uruguay have kept seven clean sheets in nine
Federico Valverde to score at any time
The Uruguay midfielder has scored six goals in 12 La Liga starts for Real Madrid this season

Price guide 8-1 with bet365