An exciting friendly game will take place tomorrow (13:30 GMT) in Abu Dhabi, UAE: Brazil will square off against South Korea in the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
For this occasion we decided to gather up a Baba preview with our two specialists: Brazilian Vítor Buratini Mendes and South Korean Jinseong Kim. We will present them with five questions regarding the match, and eventually ask for their predictions. So let’s get going then, shall we?
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What is the feeling in your country coming into the game?
Vítor: Here in Brazil, people are pretty indifferent about this game, unfortunately. Even after the Copa America title, Brazilians are not overly excited about the national team. The defeat in the previous friendly against Argentina, with a bad performance by the whole team, discouraged the locals even more.
Jinseong: Having a game against a strong and famous team like Brazil is a huge opportunity. Most fans are very excited and looking forward for it. However, there are concerns about a potential heavy defeat, and regarding Paulo Bento and his team's recent poor performances.
Tell us about your team’s recent form and expectations from this game.
Vítor: Since the Copa America, the Brazilian team has not won any game: they tied two and lost another. The recent form is far from good and there is not much optimism about the game against South Korea. The expectation is always for victory, but this time it is not taken for granted.
Jinseong: The first half of the World Cup Qualifiers is over, and it wasn't the perfect start for South Korea; two wins and two ties. Criticisms against Paulo Bento's tactical choices have risen significantly. There are even some fans arguing the the KFA should sack him, but they remain a minority so far.
Who is your team’s key player tomorrow? Which player can surprise and we should keep an eye on?
Vítor: I think a player who can be key to this duel is Philippe Coutinho. Without having a great prestige in the squad for a while, he can redeem himself with a good game against South Korea and perhaps return to be a unanimity in midfield. Additionally, I think Rodrygo, the young Real Madrid player, has a good chance of being the surprise if he can receive good playing time.
Jinseong: Of course, Heung Min-Son is having a good season so far in Tottenham, but not as much in the national team. He has only scored three times under Bento, and considering the fact that two of those were versus Sri Lanka, he hasn't made a significant impact. Keep an eye on Hwang Ui-jo, who plays for Bordeaux in Ligue 1. He is the top scorer of Bento's current set up, scoring nine goals. Hwang has the ability to produce long range shots and is well known for his offensive positioning. If South Korea surprises Brazil, Hwang could have a big role.
Which opposing player does your team need to be careful of?
Vítor: Undoubtedly, the Brazilian team should worry about Heung Min-Son. He creates about 1.6 goal chances per game in the Premier League, and can change the course of a game with a brilliant play. Because of his great pace, he can end up giving trouble to the slower defender Thiago Silva.
Jinseong: If Neymar wasn’t out for this game, he would be the one to look out for. Now that he's unavailable, my eyes are moving towards Casemiro. South Korea's main weakness is the center midfield, and I'd like to see how they will handle this top-level midfielder
Prediction?
Vítor: I believe Brazil will win the match 2-1. The goals will be scored by Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus, but we will concede a goal from Son. However, it won't be a surprise if we lose...
Jinseong: 2-0, Brazil.
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Thanks guys, we wish your teams both the best of luck! Here’s a quick reminder what happened the last time the two teams have met in 2013.