North and South Korea in action against Uzbekistan and Oman

North and South Korea kick-off their Asian Cup challenges with duels against tournament chances Uzbekistan and potential outsiders Oman respectively.

The Taeguek Warriors must get off to a good start if they are to top their pool at the expense of hosts Australia, while the Thousand Mile Horse have little to lose against Uzbekistan.

South Korea v Oman
East Asian giants South Korea, odds-on at 8/15 to defeat minnows Oman, will be aiming to make a swashbuckling start to Group A, in part to make amends for what was a woeful World Cup campaign.

With a reputation to restore, the Taegeuk Warriors are expected to be in rampant form, with their raft of Europe-based stars looking to dominate former Rangers and Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen’s men.

Two-time tournament victors South Korea have won three of their four previous duels against Oman, whose best ever Asian Cup finishes are last-eight exits.

The Taegeuk Warriors will no doubt hope to ensure a comprehensive triumph over their first competitors, with in-form Bayer Leverkusen forward Son Heung-Min 9/2 to score first and stretch his legs against Le Guen’s side, or 6/5 to net anytime.

Mainz midfield maestro Koo Ja-Cheol, 11/2 to strike last, was one of the Taegeuk Warriors’ top performers and scorers in the last edition of this tournament, grabbing five goals, and could enjoy another purple patch in Australia.

Meanwhile, skipper and Swansea City star Ki Sung-Yeung, tasked with shielding the backline and creating from deep, knows the eyes of an expectant nation are upon him. The 25-year-old East Asian icon is a fabulous 3/1 to hit home anytime and contribute offensively as well as defensively.