Asian Cup preview: Iran v South Korea

Iran against South Korea is the heavyweight meeting of the four Asian Cup quarter-finals and arguably the hardest to call.

Both teams emerged from their groups as undefeated winners and each have undeniable pedigree in the tournament.

Traditionally two of the major forces in the confederation, Iran captured three consecutive Asian Cups in 1968, 1972 and 1976, while South Korea won in 1956 and 1960.

For South Korea and Iran, ranked third and fourth in the Asian Football Confederation, 50 years and 34 years respectively without claiming the trophy is a cause for major consternation, particularly among the two nations’ fanatical football public.

South Korea boast the better record than Iran in the modern era.

They have qualified for an impressive seven successive World Cup finals and have reached the quarter-finals or better in the last five Asian Cups.

Iran may have only qualified for the World Cup twice in the last six tournaments, but they are experts at reaching the latter stages of the Asian Cup, failing to make it past the first round just once in 12 tournaments.

The two teams even experienced similar campaigns in the group stages.

Iran were forced to come from behind to snatch a 2-1 win against arch-rivals Iraq in their first match in Group D.

A 1-0 victory was enough to get the better of North Korea and secure progression to the last eight, but the performance was far from vintage.

Little can be read into a final 3-0 win over the United Arab Emirates, with coach Afshin Ghotbi resting a number of first-choice players.

Karim Ansarifar and Gholamreza Rezaei, goalscorers against North Korea and Iraq respectively, will return after being rested.

Mohammad Nouri will also provide a threat for Iran in attack.

South Korea dominated Bahrain in their first match of Group C, but could only produce two goals, while also conceding one from the penalty spot and having a man sent off.

Some impressive off the ball movement and sharp exchanges of passing saw them edge the first half in 1their clash with fellow pre-tournament favourites Australia, but they faded in the second half and were forced to settle for a draw.

Just like Iran’s last game, a 4-1 win over relative minnows India revealed little about the team’s true worth.

Combative fullback Cha Du-Ri will be sure to continue his enterprising raids down the flanks for South Korea, who will also look to Koo Ja-Cheol to provide a goal threat from wide.

Bolton Wanderers midfielder Lee Chung-Yong has flourished in a more withdrawn role.

If Manchester United man and captain Park Ji-Sung fires alongside him, South Korea will dominate midfield and should have too much quality for Iran to cope with.