On Monday night, Brazil and South Korea clash in the first knockout stage of the World Cup as the favourites look to advance to the last eight of the competition.
Brazil form guideThe Selecao remain favourites to win the World Cup, despite suffering a 1-0 defeat against Cameroon in their final game in the group stages. The defeat meant very little, as Tite’s team had already qualified, and the Brazilian boss decided to rotate his starting line-up. The loss did end a nine-game winning run for the South American giants, though.
Despite the loss last time out, Brazil has still kept clean sheets in four of their previous six matches. The Selecao also still have a strong recent record at the World Cup, having won five of their last seven games in the competition.
Surprisingly, though, their recent matches in the World Cup have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in seven of their previous eight games.
South Korea form guideThe Taegeuk Warriors set up their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over group winners Portugal. They headed into the final game, having taken just a point from their opening two games in an open group.
The victory over Portugal improved their woeful recent record at World Cups, as the win was only their second victory in 12 matches in the competition.
South Korea has struggled against Brazil in recent meetings, suffering four straight defeats while conceding 13 matches in the process. They also suffered a 5-1 hammering at the hands of Tite’s men in a friendly game in June.
Latest team newsBrazil will be without Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus through injury, while Alex Sandro, Danilo, Neymar and Alex Telles are also fitness doubts.
Wolves forward Hwang Hee-Chan scored the winning goal off the bench against Portugal, so he could start this game.
What am I backing?Brazil are favourites to lift the trophy in Qatar, and I can’t back against Tite’s team progressing from this tie.
