Just thought of making a thread to discuss football going on outside of Iran in Asia. Spain narrowly beat Saudi Arabia 3-2 thanks to a last minute goal. Japan are currently 1-0 up against England. Phillipe Scolari has left Uzbek side Buyakhor.
PARK JI SUNG COULD RETIRE BEFORE 2014 WC to give youth a chance
From goal.com
PARK JI SUNG COULD RETIRE BEFORE 2014 WC to give youth a chance
From goal.com
Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung has admitted that this summer's World Cup could be his last one with South Korea.
The 29-year-old is set to appear in his third World Cup this year and thinks by the time the 2014 tournament rolls around it might be time for younger players to be driving the side.
"I haven't decided the date but in 2014 my age will be 33," he told The Guardian.
"It is good for the national team if the young players grow up quickly and it may be that I can't start with the national team. That's why I think this World Cup is my last."
Park is of course the most high-profile player in the South Korean squad, and he admits that he does feel the pressure of expectation at times.
However, any player from Old Trafford becomes used to the burden of expectations and Park is just delighted to be fulfilling a boyhood dream to play for his country.
"Of course, I'm just a person; I feel pressure from outside and all the expectations.
"But I am happy because when I was young I wanted to be a national team player and now everyone expects me to show more. I am very happy."
The United man also hopes that football can help bring the two Korean republics competing in South Africa closer together.
Tensions have been high recently after South Korea accused North Korea of sinking one of its ships in March.
However, Park's goal against Iran in qualifying did much to help the North reach the World Cup, with several Northern players hailing the strike in the media.
"It will be interesting. I will watch the North Korean games," Park revealed.
"North Korea and South Korea speak the same language and actually we are the same country.
"It's the first time when both teams go to the World Cup. Their group is very tough but North Korea is a difficult team to beat and difficult to score against as they showed in qualification. I want to see how they deal with the best teams in the world.
"Football can produce something more than we expect and maybe we can get closer to North Korea through the World Cup."
The 29-year-old is set to appear in his third World Cup this year and thinks by the time the 2014 tournament rolls around it might be time for younger players to be driving the side.
"I haven't decided the date but in 2014 my age will be 33," he told The Guardian.
"It is good for the national team if the young players grow up quickly and it may be that I can't start with the national team. That's why I think this World Cup is my last."
Park is of course the most high-profile player in the South Korean squad, and he admits that he does feel the pressure of expectation at times.
However, any player from Old Trafford becomes used to the burden of expectations and Park is just delighted to be fulfilling a boyhood dream to play for his country.
"Of course, I'm just a person; I feel pressure from outside and all the expectations.
"But I am happy because when I was young I wanted to be a national team player and now everyone expects me to show more. I am very happy."
The United man also hopes that football can help bring the two Korean republics competing in South Africa closer together.
Tensions have been high recently after South Korea accused North Korea of sinking one of its ships in March.
However, Park's goal against Iran in qualifying did much to help the North reach the World Cup, with several Northern players hailing the strike in the media.
"It will be interesting. I will watch the North Korean games," Park revealed.
"North Korea and South Korea speak the same language and actually we are the same country.
"It's the first time when both teams go to the World Cup. Their group is very tough but North Korea is a difficult team to beat and difficult to score against as they showed in qualification. I want to see how they deal with the best teams in the world.
"Football can produce something more than we expect and maybe we can get closer to North Korea through the World Cup."
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