Brazil vs South Korea Predictions

• Brazil have scored 29 goals across their last 10 games
• They beat South Korea 5-1 earlier this year
• South Korea have scored twice in each of their last two games at this tournament
• Vinicius Jr has had 2.5 shots per game in Qatar and he’s got an xG of 0.6 so far

Huge test for South Korea

After an incredible finish to make the last 16, South Korea are quickly back in action and they’ve landed the toughest tie of the round. They meet a Brazil side who are World Cup favourites, even after a shock loss to Cameroon. Brazil had already qualified for the last 16 before that defeat, but their second-string did little to impress in that defeat.

The big guns will back – with hope for Neymar to return – which is a concern for South Korea. They lost 5-1 to the Samba stars back in June, so they know exactly how tough this encounter will be. However, they showed real spirit in their final-day fightback so they could make life difficult for Brazil too.

Vinicius Jr an attacking contender

Brazil have an array of attacking talents, even if Neymar isn’t back in time for this one. Having avoided potentially tougher clashes against Portugal or Uruguay’s defences, they may well give the PSG star another rest. There are enough options to do that, with Vinicius Jr proving to be a threat.

In his first two games, the Real Madrid winger averaged 2.5 shots per match. He’s got an Expected Goals tally of 0.6 at this tournament, while he’s scored six times in 14 games in La Liga this term. He also had a goal chalked off against Switzerland in his last appearance, so he can trouble South Korea.

In meetings with Ghana and Portugal, South Korea struggled against opposition attacking midfielders. Horta drifted in to strike in their last game, while Mohammed Kudus scored twice against them. Vinicius has the pace and finishing to trouble them, so back him to score anytime.

Brazil will be tough to stop

While their reserve attackers failed to impress against Cameroon, the return of their starting lineup should trouble South Korea. Brazil scored three goals across their first two games but they’re likely to grow into this tournament and the last 16 brings them up against a defence which hasn’t excelled in Qatar.

Ghana were able to put three goals past them and they drew 2-2 with Costa Rica in the autumn. This is the biggest test they’ve faced since that 5-1 loss to Brazil, while the South American side have scored 29 times across their last 10 internationals. However, South Korea have scored twice in each of their last two, so they can play their part in an entertaining last 16 clash.

Backing over 2.5 goals looks like the best option in this one, as Brazil could rack up three on their own against this defence, while South Korea’s attacking talent could also make an impact. With that in mind, a 3-1 Brazil victory is my correct score prediction.

Brazil vs South Korea betting offers

Build better bets with our free betting tips, predictions and accumulators, every day.