July 6th EAFF East Asian Cup - South Korea VS China Prediction
EAFF East Asian Cup - South Korea VS China
Match Time:07-07-2025 19:00 Monday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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South Korea Review
South Korea, the most successful team in EAFF E-1 Football Championship history with five titles, enters the 2025 tournament as a favorite, hosting at Yongin Mireu Stadium. Coached by Hong Myung-bo, they field a squad of 23 K League players and three J League stars, including Jo Hyeon-woo (goalkeeper) and Na Sang-ho (midfielder). Their recent form is strong (W2-D3-L0), averaging 1.6 goals per match in their last five games, with a 2-0 win over Iraq in World Cup qualifiers showcasing defensive solidity (0.8 goals conceded). South Korea’s high-pressing 4-2-3-1, led by Lee Kang-in (if included), thrives at home, where they’re unbeaten in six (W5-D1). However, injuries to Son Heung-min (questionable, hamstring) and Hwang Hee-chan could limit their attack. Their 4-0 win over Kuwait on June 21, 2025, highlights their depth.
China Review
China, with two EAFF titles, aims to upset South Korea under coach Branko Ivanković, who’s testing young talent for the 2026 Asian Cup. Their squad blends veterans like Wu Lei (8 goals in qualifiers) with emerging stars like Wang Shangyuan. Recent form is mixed (W2-D1-L2), with a 0-2 loss to the USA on June 1, 2025, exposing defensive frailties (1.4 goals conceded per match). China’s 4-3-3 relies on possession (52% average) and Wu Lei’s finishing, but they struggle against high-pressing teams, losing 3-1 to Japan in a friendly. Their away record is poor (1W-2D-3L in last 6), and injuries to Zhang Yuning may blunt their attack. Confidence is high, but South Korea and Japan remain formidable.
Head to Head
South Korea and China have met 38 times since 1978, with South Korea leading 21-6, including 11 draws. In EAFF E-1, South Korea won four of six encounters:
July 24, 2022 (Toyota, Japan): South Korea 3-0 China. South Korea dominated with goals from Cho Gue-sung and Son Heung-min.
December 15, 2019 (Busan): South Korea 1-0 China. A tight win via Hwang Ui-jo.
December 16, 2017 (Tokyo): South Korea 4-1 China. Kim Shin-wook’s hat-trick overwhelmed China. Average goals per match: 2.5, with 33% seeing both teams score. South Korea are unbeaten in their last seven vs China (W5-D2), with four clean sheets.
Prediction: South Korea 2-0 China
The EAFF E-1 opener on July 7, 2025, at Yongin Mireu Stadium favors South Korea. Their home dominance, high press, and depth (even without Son) outmatch China’s inconsistent away form and defensive issues. China’s Wu Lei could exploit gaps, but South Korea’s Jo Hyeon-woo and organized defense (0.8 xGA per game) should hold firm. Posts on X highlight South Korea’s K League-heavy squad as a tactical advantage, while China’s “coach test” for Ivanković adds pressure. Bookmakers favor South Korea (odds ~1.40). Expect a controlled win, with Na Sang-ho or Lee Kang-in scoring.
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