Thursday 25/06/2014, 22:00, World Cup Group H, Korea Republic vs Belgium

Korea Republic vs Belgium Betting Preview

Belgium is one of the teams capable of causing big upsets at the World Cup, but they don't need to put the theory to the test by facing Germany in the phase of Last 16. In order to avoid this insanely difficult opponent in the first elimination round, they need to finish first in Group H. This is not a particularly difficult task, since their opponents are fully aware of how dangerous Belgium is upfront and will choose to defend most of the time.

Korea Republic vs Belgium Betting Odds

At Bet365

Korea Republic 5.50, Draw 3.60, Belgium 1.65

Korea Republic vs Belgium Betting Tips

Korea Republic had its moment of glory in 2002 when the nation cohosted the World Cup and enjoyed the obvious support of referees. Finishing 4th was a one-time gig and any hopes of replicating that accomplishment in Brazil are borderline fantasy.

The Asian nation has none of the players that tasted World Cup glory on the pitch and is no longer trained by a European manager. As a result, the team sank into near irrelevance and came very close of failing to qualify from a group dominated by Iran.

Against Belgium, they will try to defend with a backline of 5 players and 4 midfielders, leaving Park Chu Young stranded upfront. He will need to make the most of his few opportunities to defeat Courtois and it is hard to believe that the top-class goalkeeper will commit a silly mistake.

Belgium has a formidable offensive trident, with Hazard, Mirallas and Lukaku and each of these three players can easily penetrate the South Korean defenses. Their own backline is rock-solid and even if the Korean launch a counterattack, it will break like waves on the shore. The first half will be of critical importance, because if Belgium scores early, their opponents will be compelled to take more chances.

Key Facts

• Korea Republic lost four of the last 5 games and failed to score in any of these defeats.
• Belgium won the last three friendly games while keeping a clean sheet in each of them.

Korea Republic vs Belgium Betting Odds Prediction

The odds for a Belgium win are not too high at 1.65, but this is the kind of banker bet that punters are frantically looking for. Those who seek bigger rewards and don't mind taking some chances can back the Europeans to cover the -1.5 goal spread at odds of 2.60 and above with Bet365.

Bet: Belgium -1.5 goals @ 2.60 with Bet365