South Korea boss: “We want to avoid Iran”

Goal.com – SEOUL, The draw for the final round of World Cup qualifying through Asia takes place on Friday, and Korea’s boss insists they’d be ready to face the Samurai Blue if grouped together.

South Korea boss Choi Kang-Hee insists there is no fear if the Taeguk Warriors are drawn to face Japan in final round of Asian 2014 World Cup qualifying.

The draw for the final round will take place at the Asian Football Confederation headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Friday where South Korea and Australia are expected to get the top seeds, ahead of Iran and Japan.

At a press conference in Seoul, Choi was asked if he’d prefer Japan or Iran and indicated the trip to face Team Melli is something he’d like to avoid.

“Iran will require a tough road trip to play in high altitude and we have to deal with the jet lag,” he said. “Japan is a difficult opponent but we won’t have those problems.”

The ex-Jeonbuk Motors boss continued that there was little separating Japanese and Korean football, despite the Samurai Blue trouncing the Taeguk Warriors 3-0 in their last meeting in August.

“I know some foreign head coaches for Japan don’t see Korea as their rival, and that they’d rather take on the rest of the world,” he said according to Yonhap News Agency. “But we want to prove that we’re not trailing Japan.

“I know Japan has improved a great deal, but I don’t think Korean football is behind Japan. If we’re paired with Japan in the same group, we will face them head on.”

Choi also stated that should his side face their bitter rivals the result would be decided by the finest of margins, and in preparing his team for such a clash, players needed to be trained mentally as well as technically.

“When top teams collide, games are usually decided by one goal, and we have to prepare for every game like it’s a championship contest,” he said.

“Games of such magnitude are won and lost over small mistakes and the difference in the level of concentration.”

He added: “Pressure situations can affect even seasoned veterans. I think it’s crucial that we prepare for games mentally right from the training camp.”

South Korea currently lead their neighbours in head-to-head clashes with 40 victories, 13 losses and 22 draws, however Japan have won the last two matches.