FIFA World Cup: South Korea vs. Portugal Live Build-up

Live build-up to South Korea's crucial 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Group H clash with Portugal. Last update Friday 2nd December, 14:30 KST.

Will Hwang Hee-chan or Kim Min-jae play?

According to Paulo Bento during his routine press conference on Thursday, a decision hasn't been made yet. Regarding Hwang Hee-chan specifically, Bento said: "Hwang Hee-chan is in training but I can't say anything definite about whether he will be able to start."

Touchline ban Bento has trust in his staff

Paulo Bento will serve a touchline ban against Portugal after being shown a red card after the final whistle of Korea's 3-2 loss to Ghana. But, the Portuguese said that he has faith in his coaches to be able to act independently and make decisions during the game, as is often the case, he says. Bento's number two Sergio Costa will be in charge.

"I am confident the staff will do whatever is needed and if they need to make decisions, I am confident they will be able to do so. They will be independent. Many decisions that are made during a match are quite often made by them. They suggest replacements and decisions. So they will do it by themselves this time. The players are also in line with the technical staff. I trust in them. I don't think this will be a problem." via Yonhap

Pepe wary of South Korea's speed and organizational skills: Reports

"They are very well organized and they know how to approach matches very well," Pepe said. When asked about Son Heung-min and center back Kim Min-jae, Pepe said "They play at a high speed, they have great qualities and they play hard. But rather than discussing specific players, I'd like to rate the entire team very highly." via Yonhap

Ronaldo absent from Portugal training on Wednesday

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly absent from training on Wednesday, casting doubt that the 37-year-old could miss the match with South Korea. Portuguese media outlet Abola, however, suggested that Ronaldo isn't suffering from an injury but was just training in the gym instead.

Ronaldo "50-50" to play against South Korea: Fernando Santos

Portugal boss Fernando Santos admitted that Ronaldo is a doubt for the match with South Korea, saying the free agent is "50-50": "We'll decide after watching him in our training session."

Santos was also asked about the now infamous Ronaldo "no-show" in 2019 when the then Juventus man failed to appear in a friendly match with Team K League despite reports of there being a clause that stipulated he had to play 45 minutes. "I think Ronaldo has great respect for South Korean people and players." via Yonhap

The Man in the Middle - Facundo Tello

The referee for tonight's clash between South Korea and Portugal is Facundo Tello from Argentina who is known for the number of red cards he brandishes. He's been a referee in the top division of Argentine football since 2013 and began refereeing on the international stage in 2019. As recently as this November, Tello sent off 10 players in one match - the Argentina Champions Trophy Final. Following an equaliser, the celebrations from Racing Club players irked those of Boca Juniors and a scuffle broke out. Five reds were given to Boca for the fracas alone. via Sky Sports

Tello has officiated one match of the World Cup so far, Switzerland's 1-0 win over Cameroon during which he gave out three yellow cards. So far this season, Tello has officiated 38 matches, given out 206 yellow cards, six two-yellow sendings off, and 12 reds. via Transfermarkt