Koreans will have Iran on the run quips Cha

Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi recently reiterated his belief that Team Melli will be crowned champions come January 29, and they have certainly looked strong at the tournament following three wins from three during the group stage.

But Korea Republic enjoyed one of their best years in football in 2010 as they reached the last 16 of a World Cup on foreign soil for the first time in history, where they also recorded a victory over former Europe champions Greece.

Iran and Korea Republic are certainly no strangers to each other with the two sides meeting in the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in every edition since 1996, with the their last encounter four years ago ending in favour of the Taeguk Warriors.

And Cha is confident that Korea Republic will be celebrating victory over the Iranians once again come Saturday night.

“The Korea team is a strong team and we got to last 16 of the World Cup so I think it is Iran that is scared of us,” said the Celtic fullback.

“I believe Iran is a strong team but we should not fear them. We have played stronger teams than Iran before and we have shown good performances. We have confidence to play against anybody.”