South Korea 🇰🇷 vs Czech Republic 🇨🇿 is unlikely to produce a genuine contender, but there are some fascinating tactical themes.
South Korea's wing-back system is undermined by the quality of the wing-backs themselves. They offer very little natural attacking threat, despite the system demanding it.
Their midfield is technically excellent, with Paik providing control, while Lee Ki-Hyuk's gives them composure in possession. However, there's a clear lack of physicality throughout the side, especially in defence, and nobody comes close to replicating Kim Min-jae's presence. Son Heung-min remains their talisman, even if an ageing one, and arrives after a strong MLS campaign.
For the Czech Republic, Sulc is a player worth keeping an eye on. Zeleny often tucks inside from left wing-back to form a back four, placing significant responsibility on Coufal to provide width on the opposite flank.
CC: @NealGardner_ @coachrafaz22
