It's time for Son Heung-min to speak up.

The most anticipated match in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup is the clash between Saudi Arabia and South Korea. It can be said that Japan's second-place finish in Group D was a crucial catalyst in creating this matchup. South Korea has been rumored to be deliberately avoiding Japan. However, they still face a major challenge in Saudi Arabia – another strong contender for the title.

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Prediction

The clash between these two teams could be considered a match of World Cup caliber. In the most recent tournament in 2022, both South Korea and Saudi Arabia left their own mark. Although they couldn't advance beyond the group stage, the Saudi Arabian team shocked the world with their victory over Argentina.

Meanwhile, the South Korean team played impressively in the group stage but had to accept a 0-4 defeat against Brazil.

The South Korean national team has high hopes for Son Heung-min.

Returning to the 2023 Asian Cup, both coaches Roberto Mancini and Jurgen Klinsmann have their strongest squads available for the knockout rounds. People are curious to see how fully the strength of the South Korean team will be showcased now that they no longer have to strategize so much.

Essentially, South Korea is still rated higher in attack than defense. Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in are wingers that any European team would dream of having, not just those in Asia. If they play to their full potential, these two stars can both score goals themselves and create opportunities for teammates like Hwang Hee-chan and Cho Gue-sung to score.

On the other side of the pitch, the Saudi Arabian team relies heavily on striker Salem Al Dawsari. In addition, the midfield will certainly feature Kanno – a tall and powerful midfielder. Coach Mancini will likely not change the West Asian team's currently effective 3-5-2 tactical system.

However, the speed of attack is something the Saudi Arabian team needs to improve. Therefore, it is highly likely that Saleh Al Shehri could return to the starting lineup.

Saudi Arabia has nothing to fear from South Korea, and a goalfest is what fans are expecting.

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea form:

The South Korean team is unbeaten in 12 consecutive matches, drawing 4 of them. Son Heung-min and his teammates drew 2 out of 3 matches in the group stage of the 2023 Asian Cup. In the match against Saudi Arabia in September 2023, South Korea won 1-0.

The Saudi Arabian team doesn't have an impressive, long winning streak like South Korea. However, they are undefeated at the 2023 Asian Cup. More broadly, they have won 6 of their last 10 matches.

Prediction: Saudi Arabia 2-3 South Korea

Predicted lineup:

Saudi Arabia: Al Kassar (23), Al Bulayhi (5), Al Al Jami (4), Al Tambakti (17), Abdulhamid (12), Al Khaibari (!5), Al Naji (16), Kanno (23), Nasser Al Dawsari (24), Salem Al Dawsari (10), Saleh Al Shehri (11).

South Korea: Jo Hyeon-woo (21), Kim Tae-hwan (23), Kim Min-jae (4), Kim Young-gwon (19), Seol Young-woo (22), Lee Kang-in (18), Lee Jae-sung (10), In-beom Hwang (6), Hwang Hee-chan (11), Son (7), Cho Gue-sung (9)

Mai Phuong

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