Ghotbi rather play S. Korea in Asian Cup final

MNA – DOHA, Iran football coach Afshin Ghotbi says he prefers to play against South Korea in the final game of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

Already-qualified Iran will most likely play either Australia or South Korea in the knockout stage of the Asian Cup.

“I worked for five years in South Korea and I know many of the players from a long time ago. They are like my little brothers and I would rather play them in the final game,” Ghotbi said.

Three-time champion Iran has respectively defeated Iraq and North Korea in the group stage. The Persians are scheduled to face the UAE on Wednesday.

“The match against the UAE is a good opportunity for us to test the rest of our players who have yet to play in the event. However I believe that there is no difference between all the 23 players,” the 47-year old added.

Iran won the AFC Asian Cup in 1968, 1972 and 1976, and Ghotbi claims that he is going to put an end to 35-year title drought.

“We want to win the championship and dedicate it to all the Iranians,” he added.