Venue: Munsu Football Stadium
Date: 18 June 2013
Munsu Football Stadium shall witnessed one of the most awaited rivalries in the World Cup’s Asian qualifiers as Korea Republic meets Iran this 18 June 2013. What is at stake? It is no other than an automatic ticket to Brazil.
The battle between Team Melli and Taeguk Warriors is never their first encounter. The two have already met in six (6) World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming face-off becomes even more intense as word war between Choi Kang-hee, and Carlos Quiroz spreads through the World Wide Web. Nevertheless, whether it is on the web and on the field, it is evident that Choi and his men have the upper hand. Indeed, there is a high possibility that Taeguk Warriors will soon Japan in Brazil.
Korea Republic’s strength goes beyond playing in its own territory. Rather, it stems from the fact that it only needs a draw to qualify. Team Melli, on the other hand, has no other option but to win the match.
The above-mentioned scenario looked like a repetition of what transpired in 2010 World Cup qualifiers where Taeguk Warriors forced a draw against Team Melli, much to Iran’s disappointment. It was a come from behind win for Korea Republic. But now, the situation is a bit the same, except that there is a reversal of roles. In this match, Iran trails. Apparently, Taeguk Warriors has all the power to repeat history.
Both sides have their own dose of injuries and players who will be missing the match. Korea Republic’s Park Jongwoo is suspended and Kim Namil is nursing an injury. Similarly, in Iran, Ashkan Dejagah’s injury will also keep him in the bench. Nevertheless, the latter’s very own Reza Ghoochannejhad shall take Dejagah’s scoring responsibility.
But here is the catch, Park and Kim may not play, but Choi still has, Asian Football Confederation’s best player, Lee Keun Ho. Along with him is Lee Dong-gook who has already secured 10 goals out of their 30 encounters against Middle Eastern squads. It is therefore not very surprising to see Team Melli throw the white towel.
Should Korea Republic qualify, this will be their 8th consecutive World Cup appearance. What is the verdict? Korea Republic as favorites and Iran receiving the Asian handicap.
Photo Credit: Zimbio
0 comments:
Post a Comment