Algeria and South Korea were not expected to progress past the group stage in most soccer experts’ World Cup predictions, but both took unexpected leads in their first group games. Unfortunately, neither could seal the deal and claim a win, but both are still very much in the mix in a wide-open Group H. See our preview and prediction for the group here.
Read on for everything you need to know about this big game in Group H.
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Algeria vs. South Korea, World Cup 2014, Group Stage Betting Preview and Prediction
A win for either team gives them a realistic shot at qualifying, while a loss puts them one foot out the door. A draw coupled with a Belgium win over Russia (game preview here) blows the race for second wide open.
Betting on Algeria
Despite surrendering an unlikely lead to group favorites Belgium en route to a 2-1 defeat, the fact that Algeria found the net at all in their first World Cup game should be considered a win. After all, they went through the entire 2010 tournament without scoring a single goal. That said, it was still another loss for the Algerians, the third in their last four World Cup games.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Coach Vahid Halihodzic was unhappy with his team’s approach of sitting back and defending deep in their own zone after taking the lead, which allowed the Belgians to pile on the pressure. However, a similar defensive approach may be more effective against a South Korean team that lacked the quality to break down a resolute Russian defense.
If the Algerians do move away from their constant defending and get more adventurous in their attack, they will once again rely on star playmaker Sofiane Feghouli, who won the penalty against Belgium and dispatched it himself. The Valencia winger had four goals and eight assists in La Liga this season, and has the individual ability to trouble the Korean defense.
Betting on South Korea
Everyone knew the Koreans were energetic and organized defensively, but that their lack of scoring could hold them back. Against Russia, the Koreans fulfilled their expectations, as their defense held its own for much of the game and their attack was toothless when it counted en route to a 1-1 draw.
South Korea’s offensive woes might be solved by a game against a weaker Algerian side. Starting striker Park Chu Young was invisible against Russia, while his replacement Lee Keun-Ho “scored” with a lot of help from the bumbling Russian goalkeeper.
Attacking midfielder Son Heung-Min was a constant threat to Russia’s defense, and will likely be the instigator of South Korea’s most effective attacks against Algeria. While the Algerians stood strong for 70 minutes against Belgium, their relatively young and inexperienced lineup can be subject to lapses, ones that Son may be able to pounce on.
Writer’s Prediction
Both teams manage to find the net but neither has the killer instinct to finish as the game ends in a draw, which offers a nice payout at +205. Create a betting account today and cash in on what should be a tight game in Group H, as well as all the rest of the World Cup 2014 action.
