[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] "You cannot expect an easy group draw in the World Cup."
This is the evaluation of Paulo Bento, head coach of the South Korean national football team, regarding the 2022 Qatar World Cup group draw results. On the 2nd, in Doha, Qatar, the 2022 Qatar World Cup final group draw took place, and South Korea was placed in Group H along with Portugal, Uruguay, and Ghana.
After the draw, Coach Bento said in an interview with Uruguay Football, "You cannot expect an easy group," adding, "Many people will agree that Portugal and Uruguay are strong teams in Group H." This implies that while there is no 'easy group' in the World Cup finals, it is not the worst possible outcome.
South Korea, assigned to Pot 3, was called third after Portugal (Pot 1) and Uruguay (Pot 2) were already placed in Group H. In Group H, South Korea is the only team to play all three group stage matches at the same venue, which is somewhat advantageous in terms of scheduling. They will face Uruguay on November 24, Ghana on November 28, and Portugal on December 3 in order.
To advance to the Round of 16 knockout stage, South Korea must finish at least second in the group stage. The biggest challenge is Portugal, the homeland of Paulo Bento, the national team coach. The team boasts world-class players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes (both from Manchester United).
South Korea met Uruguay in the Round of 16 at the 2010 South Africa World Cup and lost 1-2. At that time, Uruguay advanced to the semifinals. Their current squad is also formidable. Especially, the attacking line featuring Edinson Cavani (Manchester United) and Luis Su?rez (Atl?tico Madrid) is highly rated. South Korea and Ghana have never met in the World Cup. Their head-to-head record is 3 wins and 3 losses.
Japan was unlucky to be drawn in Group E with Spain, Germany, and the intercontinental playoff winner (Costa Rica-New Zealand). Host country Qatar was placed in Group A along with the Netherlands, Senegal, and Ecuador. Group B includes England, the United States, Iran, and the European playoff winner (Wales-Scotland-Ukraine). In Group C, Argentina, Mexico, Poland, and Saudi Arabia will compete to advance from the group stage. Group D features France, Denmark, Tunisia, and the intercontinental playoff winner (UAE-Australia-Peru). Group F consists of Belgium, Croatia, Morocco, and Canada. In Group G, Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia, and Cameroon will clash for a spot in the Round of 16.
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