Our record of having never qualified from the group stages of a World Cup is still very much intact. While the millions of people at home believe that Bafana show up in their final group game, we must face the prospect of failing to get out of the group once more. The boys showed incredible character the last time out to rescue a 1-1 draw against Czechia.
Despite the Europeans taking an early lead, we never gave up. In fact, we dominated the ball but just didn’t create any clear-cut chances. Thankfully, Teboho Mokoena stepped up at the right time to slot home a beautiful penalty, which means we can still hope going into this Thursday’s match.
Hugo Broos will have to do it without the central midfielder, after he picked up a caution, which means he’s suspended for the Korea match. A point simply won’t be enough for South Africa here, even to qualify as one of eight best third-placed teams. Hopefully, our boys can play their hearts out and get over the line.
Bafana bet 1 – Total – Under 2.5 goals (1.76 on 10bet)
Group A has been one with few goals flying in. Four matches have already been played and only half saw the goal count rise to above 2. We know that South Africa haven’t created many big chances, but there have also been some excellent goalkeeper performances, including from Ronwen Williams.
To make matters worse, our boys have failed to find the back of the net in 2 of their last 4 outings. Let’s be frank, if that penalty didn’t come our way against Czechia, will we have scored? I’m not so sure we would have.
Furthermore, each of our last 4 matches produced fewer than 3 goals on the day. Meanwhile, the same can be said of 3 of Korea’s last 5 internationals. As a result, we foresee the goal count remaining low in this clash.
Bafana bet 2- Anytime goalscorer – Son Heung-Min (2.36 on 10bet)
Our attackers have had a tough time in North America. Lyle Foster was poor in the opening game, while Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa didn’t do much to cover themselves in glory. It remains to be seen who Broos goes with up front, but from a betting perspective, it’s worth going with the opposition.
Korea captain Son Heun-Min has been going through a mini drought. He failed to register a single shot on target against Mexico the last time out, but he was influential in their opener against Czechia. Son hit 6 shots in that game, the most for any player on the pitch, which is why we shouldn’t write him off.
Domestically, he smashed 12 goals in 13 Major League Soccer matches last term, while this season has been a different story. Son has yet to score in 13 league games for LAFC this year, but he has grabbed eight assists. He will always be a threat, especially with his speed behind our defence, which is why it’s worth backing him to find the back of the net against Williams and company.
Bafana bet 3 – 1×2 & BTTS – Korea & No (2.47 on 10bet)
As much as I hate to admit it, our boys have an uphill task on Thursday morning. If you’re brave enough to wake up at 3AM to watch them in action, you deserve a public holiday. Before Korea’s defeat to Mexico, they were on a 3-game winning run.
It’s understandable that the 1-1 draw with Czechia felt like a victory, but the reality is it wasn’t. That result extended South Africa’s winless run to 7 games in a row, of which we’ve lost 3 and drawn 4. Korea haven’t drawn any of their last 10 games, which means it’s either win or bust for them.
The Taegeuk Warriors have seen both teams score in just 1 of their last 10 outings. Meanwhile, Bafana have kept just 1 clean sheet across their last 11 World Cup matches. Seeing Korea score is easy, but South Africa could struggle to pierce the Asian defence.
Back our boys, and score
We’re all hoping that Bafana can prove me wrong and score against Korea. Here’s the best part, you can enjoy R50 Free Bets with every goal that South Africa scores when you bet R50 on the game before kick-off on any odds of 1.60 or greater. It’s the best way to win in your heart and your balance.
https://www.10bet.co.za/sports/football/international-world-cup/south-africa-korea-republic-25062026
Byron David
Byron lives and breathes sport, and took an interest in writing at an early age. His career has seen him write for several publications in South Africa and abroad. He’s a proud Gooner and bleeds Green and Gold.
