@BurrOaks77's World Cup Picks: Brazil vs South Korea - 12/5

BurrOaks77 is writing DAILY articles during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, right here on FlashPicks.com. Check out his picks for Monday's games below and if you're unsure on any of the terminology or markets be sure to read our quick and simple Soccer Betting Guide!

Brazill is the odds on favorite to win this tournament for a good reason. They have elite talent at every position on the field. Even the players who are substitutes or bench guys are elite. Guys left off this roster would start for most other nations in this competition. According to twitter rumors, it sounds like Neymar will be fit and ready for this match. Neymar got hacked for 70+ minutes in game 1 of qualifying vs Serbia. His ankle swelled up to the size of a softball after the match.

Unfortunately for South Korea, being super physical and hacking Brazil’s front four is the best way to slow the offense down. This will likely lead to a lot of fouls and potentially a lot of cards. I have yet to see a defender in all of football who can slow down Vini Jr. on the left wing without fouling. Vini is a world class passer and finisher. At Madrid last season, Vini racked up 20+ goals and 20+ assists through all competition. Including the only goal scored winning Madrid the UCL Championship. Vini is a major problem. So much so that I think he is worth a look to win the “golden ball” trophy. I will be spitting a bet on his goal and assist props.

Brazil’s back line is dominant. Throughout World Cup qualifying and Copa America this team only allowed in eight goals total. That’s 8 goals allowed in 24 matches for this squad. I don’t have a ton of expectations for South Korea in this match. I know that Son is fast. I know he can make excellent long through ball passes. I know that South Korea knows how to get into dangerous areas. I just don’t see them having much possession in this game. Let alone possession in Brazil’s final third. South Korea’s best scoring chances will likely come from any set pieces earned. Corners and dangerous free kicks will be hard to come by, because Brazil makes so few errors.

I think South Korea will be able to put together a solid first half and pester the Brazilian squad. Eventually time and game pace will catch up. South Korea just doesn't have the same level of subs available off the bench.