Korea Republic - China predictions and free betting tips [11/06/2024]

On Tuesday, June 11, in the context of the 6th round of the qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup, South Korea will face China's national team. The hosts have already secured a spot in the third round of the qualification campaign, while China stands in second place with eight points and has excellent chances to advance.

Stadium

The match will take place in Seoul at the eponymous stadium.

South Korea

The hosts have steamrolled their opponents in the current qualification campaign, remaining unbeaten in the first five rounds, winning four out of five matches. South Korea has netted 19 goals while conceding just one, making them the second-best team in the Asian qualifiers in terms of goal difference (behind Japan). Despite these positives, there is a certain turmoil within the team following the dismissal of head coach Jürgen Klinsmann in February.

The German fell out of favour with the local football federation for several reasons, including poor performances in the 2024 Asian Cup, where his team was eliminated in the semi-finals by Jordan. Last week, the white and reds easily dismantled Singapore with a 0-7 scoreline, and before that, they thrashed Thailand (0-3) in March. However, the hosts failed to win their last two home matches: a 1-1 draw with Thailand and a 3-3 draw with Malaysia. 

China

The visitors have won only seven out of their last 30 matches across all competitions. To their credit, they have been competitive in the current qualifiers, losing only once in the first five rounds, scoring nine goals and conceding eight. Notably, their 3-0 loss came against South Korea in November 2023. To automatically qualify for the next Asian Cup and keep their chances for the 2026 World Cup, China needs just one more point on Tuesday, given that Thailand, with five points, is behind them.

Head coach Branko Ivanković was appointed only last February but previously had experience working in China, leading Shandong Luneng Taishan to the championship title in 2010 with a club-record 63 points. The red and yellows have managed only one win in their last 12 away matches across all competitions. 

Head-to-Head Encounters

The hosts have won all four previous head-to-head encounters with a total goal difference of 9-0.

Prediction for South Korea vs. China

China has been more than competitive in the current World Cup qualifiers, but the visitors have historically performed poorly against their upcoming opponent in recent years. However, the hosts have already secured their spot in the next round, and they are unlikely to give their all on the pitch before their long-awaited holidays. It makes sense to bet on the underdog's handicap +2.5.

Prediction on Total

As mentioned earlier, South Korea has scored more than three goals only once in their last five matches across all competitions. I bet on the hosts' individual total under 3 goals.

Prediction on Corners

The hosts surpass their opponent in class and will maintain overwhelming possession throughout the match. I bet on the white and reds winning corners with a handicap of -4.5.

Prediction on Yellow Cards

Only once in the last eight head-to-head encounters have these teams earned more than four yellow cards in total. I bet on a total warning count of under 4.5.

Prediction on Score

I bet on an exact score of 2-0 in favour of South Korea.