British Expert Predicts Comeback Victory for Japan, Outlook on Korea

England's Football Legend Chris Sutton Predicts Draw Between Korea and Uruguay
"Group H Round of 16 Qualifiers: 1st Portugal, 2nd Korea"

Soccer national team players including Son Heung-min are warming up by exchanging short passes during the official training held on the morning of the 23rd (local time) at Al Egla Training Ground in Doha, Qatar, one day before the first group stage match against Uruguay in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] Chris Sutton, the British football legend who predicted Japan's 'major upset' victory over Germany, forecasted the result of the Korea vs. Uruguay match as a '1-1 draw.' He also predicted that Korea would advance to the Round of 16.

Chris Sutton, a former national team striker, led Blackburn Rovers FC to a Premier League title. Sutton currently works as a football commentator for the BBC in the UK. So far, he has correctly predicted the outcomes of 9 out of 12 matches, including wins, losses, and draws. Among these, he accurately predicted the goal results in 3 matches.

The Japan vs. Germany match was one of them. In an interview with the BBC on the 19th (local time), Sutton predicted the results of the 16 group stage matches of the 2022 Qatar World Cup and the teams advancing to the Round of 16. Sutton selected Spain as 1st and Japan as 2nd to advance from Group E. He expected Germany and Costa Rica to finish 3rd and 4th respectively. He said, "People call Group B the 'Group of Death,' but I think Group E looks tougher." He added, "Most people expect Germany to join the Round of 16, but there is no reason to underestimate Japan, who have talented players. Germany has shown inconsistent form over the past year. If they appear lax, Japan will have a chance."

Sutton predicted the Korea-Uruguay match on the 24th at 10 PM would end in a 1-1 draw. He said, "Uruguay's veterans Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani will put pressure on Korea," and evaluated, "Korea can control the game through ball possession but lacks firepower upfront." He also analyzed, "I don't know if Son Heung-min will start, but even before his orbital fracture injury, his performance this season at Tottenham has been inconsistent."

Sutton picked Portugal as 1st and Korea as 2nd to advance from Group H. He predicted Uruguay and Ghana to finish 3rd and 4th, respectively, and be eliminated in the group stage.

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