World Cup 2022: Why to expect a low-scoring game between Uruguay and South Korea

Uruguay head into the Group H opener with the experience of Diego Godin, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, while the younger talents of Federico Valverde and Darwin Nunez will also be key.

For South Korea, they will be looking to Son Heung-min for inspiration after the Tottenham Hotspur forward recovered from surgery on a fractured eye socket to be included in his country's World Cup squad.

Thursday's contest represents the third meeting between Uruguay and South Korea at the World Cup, and having won their previous meetings, the South Americans have reason to be optimistic for their group opener.

Although both sides will be searching for a victory, goals could prove to be few and far between, given the two side's boast strong defences.

In their nine internationals in 2022, Uruguay have kept seven clean sheets, while they have only conceded two goals in that period.

Meanwhile, South Korea's strong defence helped them secure their place in Qatar after conceding just three goals across their 20 games in World Cup qualifying.

As well as showcasing their defensive abilities, their recent results suggest that a low-scoring affair could be in store, after winning their last two matches by a 1-0 scoreline.

Uruguay have also developed a habit of being involved in cagey contests, with three of their last four internationals producing less than three goals, including their previous two fixtures.

Although there have been a number of high-scoring games at the 2022 World Cup, only three of the 12 games before Thursday's fixtures yielded more than three goals.

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