AFC Asian Cup 2023: Saudi Arabia vs South Korea: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

South Korea last won the AFC Asian Cup in 1960.

In one of the highly anticipated Round of 16 clashes, Saudi Arabia and South Korea are to meet at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar for a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup 2023. 

South Korea finished second in Group E after winning one and drawing two of their three games. As a result, the two-time Asian champions will play against the three-time AFC Asian Cup winners Saudi Arabia who finished Group F in first place thanks to two wins and a draw.

Both teams represented Asia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and their clash is set to be the highlight of the first round of the knockout stages. As the kick-off edges closer, here is what to look out for ahead of the contest:

Kick-Off

Tuesday, 30 January 2024, 9:30 PM IST at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

Form

Saudi Arabia (all competitions): D-W-W-W-D

South Korea (all competitions): W-W-W-D-D

Players to Watch

Salem Aldawsari (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia’s skipper Salem Aldawsari will be a major threat to South Korea’s defense. The experienced attacker, who scored in that famous win over Argentina at the World Cup, creates plenty of scoring chances and does not shy away from taking shots from long range.

His influence is immense in Saudi Arabia’s attack and the opposition defenders must keep a close watch on the forward who is hungry to score his first goal of the tournament.

Son Heung-min (South Korea)

Son Heung-min will be the obvious threat from South Korea’s lineup. The national team skipper scored two goals at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup group stages and is determined to add more to his tally.

He is lethal from the penalty spot and has a history of making an impact for the national team when required. Saudi Arabia’s defenders will have a tough time to stay tight and deny the Premier League star any space to contain him.

Match Facts

• South Korea last won the AFC Asian Cup in 1960.
• Saudi Arabia is only the third Asian nation to win the AFC Asian Cup three or more times.
• Son Heung-min is the highest-scoring Asian player in the Premier League with more than a century of goals.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played – 19

Saudi Arabia wins – 6

South Korea wins – 7

Draws – 6

Predicted Lineup

Saudi Arabia (3-5-2)

Al Kassar (GK), Al-Bulayhi, Al-Oujami, Al-Khaibari, Kanno, Abdulhamid, Burayk, Al-Malki, Al-Dawsari, Al-Buraikan, Ghareeb

South Korea (4-4-2)

Jo (GK), Kim Tae-hwan, Kim Min-jae, Kim Young-Gwon, Seol, Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-Sung, Hwang, Jeong, Son, Cho.

Prediction for Saudi Arabia vs South Korea

South Korea may be struggling for form but they have better individual quality that may make the difference in the upcoming contest.

Prediction: South Korea to win on penalties.

Telecast for Saudi Arabia vs South Korea

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Oman – BeinSports, Alkass

United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands – Triller TV

Australia – Network 10

Saudi Arabia – Shahid

Tajikistan – Varzishtv

United Arab Emirates – ADTV

AFC Asian Cup 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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