KOR v IRN - Ghotbi counting on Korea knowledgeSEOUL – Afshin Ghotbi is hoping his experience as assistant coach of Korea Republic will make the difference when Iran takes on the Taegeuk Warriors in Wednesday’s must-win World Cup qualifier.
Nothing less than three points will do for the Iranians if they are to guarantee at least third place and a play-off against their Group A counterparts with the winners of that facing New Zealand for a ticket to South Africa.
With the Koreans already sealing top spot in Group B, their northern neighbours DPR Korea and Saudi Arabia will contest the second automatic qualifying berth in a winner-takes-all clash in Riyadh.
But if that ends in a draw, victory will see Iran book their place next summer by right.
“I know the Korean team and players better than anyone else,” stressed a confident Ghotbi.
“I was in the World Cup twice with South Korea. I hope that Iran and Korea will go to the World Cup together.
“I love Korea and have had great success in this country. The fact that Korea already qualified for the World Cup gives me a bit of comfort. I guess we have a good chance to achieve what we want.”
Despite having nothing to play for, Korea coach Huh Jung-moo, meanwhile, is keen to end the final round of qualification undefeated.
“We want to finish this campaign well,” he said.
“At the same time, we hope we can begin preparation for the finals in South Africa. I will prove that South Korea deserves to be in the World Cup finals in this game.”
Huh also believes that Iran’s right flank could hold the key to the result.
“Iran’s main threat can be found down the right side. Hossein Kaebi is the main player in this regard. Iran’s crosses are very dangerous too” he added.
“When Iran’s fullbacks are trying to attack, defensive midfielders usually cover the space. I think we can take advantage of this space.”
Wednesday’s match could also see two of Asia’s finest footballing exports lock horns at the Seoul World Cup Stadium with Manchester United’s Park Ji-sung and Osasuna’s Javad Nekounam set for an intriguing midfield battle.
And Nekounam is confident he has the quality to come out on top against Park who scored in 81st minute to cancel out the 28-year-old Iranian’s opener as Korea Republic picked up a point from their trip to Tehran in the last World Cup qualifier between the two Asian powerhouses.
“Park is a great player with a lot of qualities,” said Nekounam.
“However, we need to win this match. It is difficult to say it is a fight between me and Park but I am confident that I can play better than him.”
What is your idea? which team will win tomorrow ?
RE : Fifa Asia
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