South Korea – Brazil

South Korea will be proud to welcome Brazil in a high profile international friendly for the asians. Both teams are already qualified to the 2014 World Cup, Brazil as hosts and South Korea to the qualifying tournament. Neymar is doubtful for Brazil but if he is not fit, goalscoring options on the bench include superstars like Hulk and Pato.

Despite getting the tickets for the World Cup, South Korea was largely unimpressive in the last 12-20 months. They finished second behind Iran and tied at points with Uzbekistan in the qualifying group. They got trough, but even more worrying is their current form. South Korea has only 1 win in the last 7 matches, new head coach Hong Myung-bo being in charge for the last 6 of those games. The hosts only defeated Haiti and in the last match they lost at home 1-2 to a croatian team with many reserves. The lack of goalscoring chances created is alarming to say the least for the asians (4 goalless matches in the last 7). Team news are kind with the hosts: South Korea does not have notable absentees, just defender Hwang Seok-Ho is worth mentioning.

Brazil is flying high at the moment. The southamericans managed to build a dream squad under Luis Felipe Scolari. They won the Confederations Cup in emphatic fashion (3-0 vs. Spain in the final) and aside from a surprising 0-1 defeat to Switzerland, Brazil has 8 wins in a row. The last international outing in september showed a stellar Brazil team: 6-0 vs. Australia and 3-1 vs. Portugal. What is particularly impressive is Brazil`s ability to play the same quality football no matter who enters the pitch – they have like 3 teams that can play the same level. Some players are missing for Brazil like Fred, Julio Cesar or Thiago Silva but Brazil will field a very strong first 11. The probable lineup could look like this:

Brazil: Jefferson – Daniel Alves, David Luiz, Dante, Marcelo – Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho, Ramires, Oscar – Neymar, Jo

Of course it`s tricky to play away in South Korea, especially in a friendly but in this case the risk is minimum taking into account the circumstances. South Korea is dirt poor at the moment and no matter how hard they will try, they can’t pass a certain level. Very important is that Brazil treats friendlies like official games with the World Cup in sight and no qualifications matches to play. They are giving all they have and the results are proof of that. In the last 9 matches played, Brazil won 7 with handicap. Odds on simple win are low but you get good price on Brazil to cover the spread. My call is South Korea – Brazil 0-3.

Pick: Brazil (-1,5)
Odds: 2.07 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8.56
Event date: 12 October

Editor Facts

• Ocean`s stats in International matches since June are 3 won, 1 void and 1 lost