FIFA World Cup 2022 South Korea guide: full schedule, group, who to watch, odds and more

South Korea is included in the World Cup group stage for the 10th consecutive edition in Qatar and 20 years since their most famous side.

Fourth place at the 2002 World Cup is also a standard to aim for Heung Min’s son they possess a true superstar that provides the spark.

The Tottenham striker will be tasked with making the difference, but their form has not been promising after a heavy defeat to Japan and holding Costa Rica, but a 1-0 win over Cameroon in their last match before their first game in Qatar brings much-needed confidence.

A faster start after finishing third last time out in Russia after back-to-back defeats to open the group stage will be a challenge for Paulo Bento’s side.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Group lamps (all times GMT)

Thursday, November 24: Uruguay v South Korea – 4:00 p.m

Monday, November 28: South Korea v Ghana – 4:00 p.m

Friday, December 2: South Korea v Portugal – 18:00

Predicted lineup

Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu (Al-Shabaab), Jo Heon-woo (Ulsan Hyundai), Son Bum-kyun (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors)

Defenders: Kim Jin-soo (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Hong Chul (Daegu FC), Kim Moon-hwan (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Kim Young-gwon (Ulsan Hyundai), Kwon Kyung-won (Gamba Osaka), Kim Tae-hwan (Ulsan Hyundai), Cho Yoo Min (Daejon Hana Citizen), Kim Min-jae (Napoli), Yoon Jung-gyu (FC Seoul)

Midfielders: Jung Woo-young (Al Sadd), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang In-beom (Olympiacos), Na Sang-ho (FC Seoul), Paik Seung-ho (Jonbuk Hyundai Motors), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves), Kwon Chang-hoon (Gimcheon Sangmu), Paik Seung-ho (Jonbuk Hyundae Motors), Song Joong-ho (Shandong Taishan), Jung Woo-young (Freiburg), Lee Kang-in (Mallorca), Yang Hyun-jun (Kangwon FC)

forwards: Son Heung-min (Tottenham), Hwang Wee-jo (Olympiacos), Cho Gae-sung (Jonbuk Hyundai Motors).

The ones to watch

Star – Song Heung Min: Who else? The Tottenham superstar started the season on a dry spell but has overcome a hot spell and looks as strong as ever with the ball at his feet, with opponents daring to offer him the chance to clear the ball from his feet with space given his lethal range from distance. Son will also thrive in transition and this tournament will come soon enough to give him a chance to write his name in history by leading his country into the knockout stages and beyond.

Breakthrough talent – Kim Min Jae: The Napoli centre-back allowed fans to quickly forget about Kalida Koulibaly with his dominant and determined play from the back. A commanding presence and skill with the ball at his feet despite being in top form, expect rumors of a move to the Premier League as he impresses even more in Qatar despite only joining the Azzurri from Fenerbahce last summer.

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Prediction

There is a strong chance of a return to the knockout stages, and with this group wide open and the chance to face runners-up Brazil in the round of 16, the first leg will be key for South Korea. If they avoid defeat by Uruguay, they could just finish top and win the group with one of the lowest totals of the round. A quarter-final loss to Spain (or Germany) or Belgium looks likely, but we’re confident Son Heung-min can inspire the Taegeuk Warriors to an impressive performance. Eliminated from Spain in the quarter-finals.