Preview: South Korea vs. Costa Rica - prediction, team news, lineups

Both teams have the chance to create some momentum, while each manager could also use this fixture as a chance to get a look at a variety of squad members ahead of the upcoming tournament.

Match preview

South Korea put together an undefeated run during the 2022 World Cup qualification group, but they do head into this game on the back of a defeat.

Their previous five-match streak without a loss in all competitions was brought to an end against Japan in the East Asian Cup in a resounding 3-0 defeat.

All three goals were conceded in the second half of that match, which likely caught Paulo Bento by surprise after his team kept consecutive clean sheets before that.

With the World Cup around the corner, South Korea are pushing to put together as much momentum as possible with their final two matches.

Despite the fact that they did not find the back of the net against Japan, Bento's team are well-known for their attacking qualities, having scored 14 goals in their previous six outings.

On the other hand, Costa Rica are not known for being proficient goalscorers, as they have not scored more than twice in a game since July 2021.

Despite that, Luis Fernando Suarez will not be worried as his team head into Friday's fixture following consecutive victories, with two clean sheets being kept in that period.

Their most recent match was a crucial one as they officially qualified for the World Cup by defeating New Zealand by a goal to nil, with Josh Campbell's third-minute finish being enough to separate them.

The upcoming tournament will mark the third consecutive one that the Ticos have qualified for, but they do have a difficult group that features Germany, Japan, and Spain.

Costa Rica have the chance to build as much momentum as possible before their trip to Qatar, and their strong defensive qualities is something that could serve them well.

South Korea International Friendlies form:

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South Korea form (all competitions):

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Costa Rica International Friendlies form:

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Costa Rica form (all competitions):

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Team News

Son Heung-Min chose the perfect time to score his first goals of the season in the final Premier League match before this international break, heading into this fixture after scoring a hat-trick.

The Taegeuk Warriors will likely have a different starting lineup from that which set up against Japan in their most recent match, with Jung Woo-Young potentially set to return to the midfield.

Experienced goalkeeper Keylor Navas is missing due to an elbow injury, meaning there is a chance for Aaron Cruz to potentially nail down the number one spot for the visitors.

Campbell is another player that should be part of the starting XI on Friday at the other end of the field considering his impressive performances for Costa Rica.

Bryan Ruiz and Celso Borges bring a lot of experience to the Ticos, and ahead of what will likely be their final World Cup experiences, both will be pushing for game time.

South Korea possible starting lineup:

Seung-Gyu; M Kim, Y. Cho, J. Park, J Kim; I Hwang, Paik, Woo-young; Son, U Hwang, G. Cho

Costa Rica possible starting lineup:

Cruz; Martinez, Duarte, Calvo, Oviedo; Borges, Tejeda; Torres, Ruiz, Fuller; Campbell

We say: South Korea 3-1 Costa Rica

Both of these teams will want to build as much momentum as possible heading into the World Cup, and because they are each going to Qatar, this will likely be a tense friendly.

South Korea should take advantage of the fact they are playing at home though, and their attacking qualities will likely be enough to see them through in this one.

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