Two to follow: Iran v Korea Republic

AFC – DOHA, As Asian football superpowers Iran and Korea Republic meet at the AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals for the fifth successive tournament, www.afcasiancup.com looks at two players who could standout in what Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi expects to be a classic.

IRAN

Hadi Aghily

Although rested for Iran’s final match against the UAE, by which time the three-time champions had already sealed their place in the last eight, Hadi Aghily will almost certainly revert back to the centre of defence for the quarter-final clash with Korea Republic. An imposing physical presence at both ends of the pitch the Sepahan stopper, who was MVP in Iran’s 1-0 win over DPR Korea, is also the one of the highest scoring defenders in Team Melli’s history.

Javad Nekounam

After playing his part in the victories over defending champions Iraq and DPR Korea that secured Iran’s place in the quarter-final’s head coach Afshin Ghotbi opted to rest Javad Nekounam for the final Group D clash against the UAE rather than risking injury to the influential Spain-based defensive midfielder. The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ is Nekounam’s third consecutive continental finals and with an international career spanning over a decade, the 30-year-old’s experience will prove crucial as Iran continue their quest for a record fourth AFC Asian Cup title.

KOREA

Koo Ja-cheol

Koo Ja-cheol has been one of the revelations of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™, being named Samsung MVP in two out of Korea Republic’s three Group C matches. Ostensibly a defensive midfielder at Jeju United, Koo has risen to the challenge of playing in an advanced position, with the prodigiously talented 21-year-old revelling in a more attacking role than he is used to at club level and is already the tournament’s joint top scorer. Koo netted a brace against Bahrain as well as the opener against Australia before ensuring he scored in every group stage game with a goal against India.

Park Ji-sung

One of Asia’s finest players whether plying his trade for club or country, Korea Republic captain Park Ji-sung is the Taegeuk Warriors’ midfield general and consistently produces performances of energy and enterprise and often weighs in with his fair share of goals although is yet to get off the mark at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™. With a CV that boasts appearances at World Cups and UEFA Champions League Park has the experience to lead the Koreans to their first continental title since 1960.