Published on: Jan 7, 2019 12:21 am IST|Updated on: Jan 7, 2019 12:21 am IST
Rashid Al-Maktoum Stadium, January 07 at 07:00 PM
Title contenders, South Korea, will look for a flying start to their Asia Cup campaign when they take on Philippines in their opening encounter on Monday. Unbeaten since their defeat to Mexico in the FIFA World Cup, South Korea have been on an impressive run of form. With Heung-min Son expected to miss the first two group games, Bento will turn to youngsters and get his bench strength tested. They couldn’t have been more comfortable playing their bench had the opponents been any different. Three points and South Korea will walk home satisfied.
Philippines have little to stand tall and challenge their mighty opponents tomorrow. Three back to back defeats against Vietnam have only dented their impressive showing in the AFF Championship. Realistically, Philippines will be desperate to see South Korea through. A draw will be celebrated like a trophy if they somehow manage to do it.
It will be the first meeting between the two Asian sides.
South Korea – D W D D W D
Philippines – L L L D D W
South Korea Team News
Philippines Team News
Korea Playing11: Cho Hyun Woo (GK); Kim Young-Gwon, Kim Min-Jae, Kwon Kyung-won, Hong Chul, Ki Seung-yeung, Jung Woo-young, Lee Young; Hwang Hee-Chan, Hwang Ui Jo, Lee Jae-sung
Philippines Playing11: Falkesgaard (GK); Steuble, Silva, Martinez de Murga, Reed; Schroek, Strauss, Bedio, Ingreso, Reichelt; Phil Younghusband
For South Korea, the onus is expected to be with Hwang Ui-Jo and Kim Moon-Hwan, the man who can come of the bench and have an instant impact with his pace. For Philippines, it has to be Phil Younghusband up front and the experienced Alvaro Silva at the back.