The 2018 FIFA World Cup brings some interesting games on Monday, June 18th, 2018, including a Group F clash between Sweden and South Korea set at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod. Both Sweden and South Korea are underdogs in the Group F alongside Germany and Mexico, so this game could be crucial for their eventual success this summer in Russia. The bookmakers favor Sweden at +104 to grab a victory here, but South Korea will certainly have something to say, so the bettors and soccer fans can expect to see an entertaining and dramatic encounter.
Sweden vs. South Korea
3-Way: 1: Sweden +104; X: +220 Draw; 2: South Korea +280 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Sweden +104; South Korea -115
Total +2: Over -115; Under +100
Both Teams to Score Yes/No: +100/-133
SWEDEN
Sweden has made a huge upset in the qualifying playoff for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, beating Italy 1-0 on aggregate after a remarkable defensive job in both legs of the matchup. The Blue-Yellow is coming to Russia as a -163 favorite to finish the journey after the group stage, while bookies set the odds on Sweden to reach the second round at +125 due to a quite stiff competition in the Group F. In the last three friendly games, Sweden has recorded a nil-nil draw with Denmark along with a couple of losses against Chile 2-1 and Romania 1-0, showing some weaknesses in the final third which could be fatal at 2018 World Cup.
Since Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired from international soccer, Sweden is struggling with efficiency, lacking a pure hitman at the front who can take advantage of scoring opportunities. Marcus Berg and Ola Toivonen are both solid strikers, but far away from Ibrahimovic’s qualities, so the Blue-Yellow mostly relies on a sturdy and well-organized defense, trying to find the net after attacking set-pieces or through counter-attacks. The head coach Janne Andersson prefers a 4-5-1 formation where Emil Forsberg is a key player who can affect on both wings, but it seems like Andersson’s side lack creativity in the middle of the park where the vice-captain Sebastian Larsson will try to orchestrate the play.
SOUTH KOREA
The Reds have had a poor qualifying campaign, somehow managing to finish at the second spot of their group with a 4-3-3 record and a goal difference of 11:10, seven points behind Iran and just two points ahead of Syria. They were struggling defensively, conceding in six out of their ten matches, while on the road, they couldn’t earn a single victory. In the previous four friendly games, South Korea has recorded a 2-0 win over Honduras, and three losses against the Northern Ireland 2-1, Poland 3-2, and Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 respectively, so the Reds’ fans are pretty anxious ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
South Korea is considered by the bookies as the biggest out-of-towner in the Group F with the wages on reaching the knock-out phase at +250, while the price on Reds to make it to the last eight is set at +1200. The manager Shin Tae-Yong prefers an attacking style of play in a 4-3-3 system, but he can switch to three men at the back if it’s needed, so the Reds have different options to resist their opponents. The offensive line is certainly a better part of this South Korea team, and the fans expect a lot from a pacey forward Son Heung-Min who had a great season with Tottenham. The youngster Hwang Hee-Chan will be another weapon in the final third, while the captain Ki Sung-Yueng and the experienced Koo Ja-Cheol will hold the things in the midfield.
Sweden vs. South Korea – Match and Odds Breakdown
This will be the clash between two completely different teams, as Sweden relies on the strong defense and physical play, while South Korea likes to attack and avoid aerial duels. Sweden will certainly dominate after set-pieces situations and each corner-kick or free-kick near the box will be their chance to score. On the other side, South Korea’s players are quicker than Swedish, for sure, while the Reds’ team spirit and hard work can make some damage.
I think Sweden will leave the ball to their rival who should dictate the tempo of the game, but I also think the Blue-Yellow will find the net using their strength in aerial duels. On the other hand, the Reds should take advantage of their speed in the final third to find the way through Sweden’s tough defense, and if Son Heung-Min has a good day in the office, I believe they will score on this one. Hereof, I’m backing both teams to score at quite decent wages, although it’s first game for both sides where we can easily see a cautious approach, while the bettors can check out all lines and odds on BetDSI Sportsbook, as they will have you covered on all World Cup matches this summer.
The Pick: Both Teams to Score (+100)
