Big Match Breakdown: South Korea v Germany

Sebastian Rudy is ruled out however, so Sami Khedira is expected to return.

South Korea boss Shin Tae-yong has already made numerous changes in the tournament, particularly in midfield and attack.

He must decide who to pair up front with Son Heung-min. Kim Shin-wook, Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Jae-sung are his options.

Equally, South Korea have used 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 in Russia, so there’s a decision to be made there too.

Key Battles

Germany haven’t really shown their full quality so far. But knowing that they can’t afford to hold anything back today, they could come out blazing.

Can South Korea cope with that? It would be a big ask.

But the Asian side have seen Sweden and Mexico frustrate the Germans to great effect. It’s clear they struggle to break down defences and they’re leaving themselves exposed on the counter.

That’s where South Korea and Son will have to focus their strategies.

A draw could see both sides go out, so neither team can afford to sit back.

Match Odds

Germany are solid favourites with Coral’s traders at 2/9. There’s a lengthy 16/1 about South Korea claiming three points, while the draw is 6/1.

While the Germans finally find their sweet spot? They’re 6/10 on the -1 handicap and 29/20 to win it -2.

If South Korea are to follow the Mexico and Sweden blueprint, though, then there’s 15/4 about them being the first team to score.

Timo Werner is yet to get off the Mark in Russia, but he’s 14/5 favourite to score first. There’s 4/1 about Reus bagging the opener and 15/2 for Kroos.

South Korea will need Son to be at his best this afternoon. The Tottenham Hotspur man is 12/1 to break the deadlock and 10/3 anytime.

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing