We fear no one, proclaims Park

The Koreans finished second in Group C behind Australia on goal difference to ensure the two nations meet for an astonishing fifth straight time in the last eight of the continental championship.

Each nation has won two of their meetings in the quarter-finals while the winner of the encounter has never gone on to reach the final, falling in the semi-finals on each occasion.

Park, though, is confident enough in his own team’s abilities to not be concerned who he and his team mates face off against in the knockout stage.

“It doesn’t matter for us who we meet in the quarter-finals and we’ll try our best,” said the Manchester United star.

“Iran is a strong team, one of the strongest teams in Asia, so it will be a difficult game for each team. We know each other a lot so we have to prepare well to play against Iran and then we’ll try our best to win the game.

“We have come here to win the title and we don’t fear anyone.”

Park’s tone was echoed by veteran left back Lee Young-pyo who, while disappointed his side could not score more than the four goals they managed against India, is upbeat about the impending meeting with Iran.

“We tried to score as many as possible but we only managed four even though we created a lot of chances and we had a lot of space,” said the Al Hilal defender.

“Scoring only four goals is a little bit of a pity but we’ve qualified.

“Iran is a very strong team and that’s good motivation for us. We have a lot of experience playing against Iran and it won’t be easy. But our squad is good, we’ve played fantastic football and we’re never afraid of any team.

“It was a very slippery pitch but we were trying to do our best and score as many goals as possible. We’re in good shape. Our play is the same from the first minute to the last, we are always pressing and we dominated the game so we’re very happy.”