An interesting game between two sides who are maybe expected to not live up to recent performances at previous major international tournaments. Russia appear to still be building for the home World Cup in 2018 and have struggled with injuries before a ball has been kicked. South Korea have one of the weaker squads of this tournament, and will be relying on Arsenal’s struggling striker Park Chu-Young and their main man Son Heung-Min. Son is the only real obvious goal threat, after having a fantastic season in the Bundesliga on Leverkusen’s left wing. South Korea have a great record in opening games of World Cups – winning the last three against Poland, Togo and Greece. Son to score anytime @11/4 looks good if you think Korea will get a goal or want to cover another bet that involves a Russia clean sheet. 8/1 for first goalscorer.
Russia will clearly miss captain Shirokov in their midfield. If he starts, Dzagoev could be the key man like he showed he can be at the Euros 2 years ago. Capello’s side have the stronger squad, but it is more than possible that South Korea will go into ‘tournament mode’ and perform above their ability on paper. Russia go into the game in better form, if friendlies are much to go by, and will be favourites to win here in their opening game. Their defence looks pretty solid lately and they have an experienced and quality goalkeeper in Akinfeev. Russia/Draw in ht/ft @ 16/1 seems tempting, but the main gamble here would be whether Korea can break down the Russian resistance. The probably more likely bet here is Russia to win to nil @ 21/10. It might be worth waiting ’til in-play to see the two teams and how they can cope and how they set out.