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| 2010 FIFA World Cup |
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| Huh confident ahead of Korea derby |
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| Korea Republic coach Huh Jung-moo is confident his side will defeat DPR Korea. (KFA) |
SHANGHAI – Korea Republic coach Huh Jung-moo believes his side will have too much class for DPR Korea when the pair clash in Shanghai’s Hongkou Stadium on Wednesday.
Huh’s side will be making their first appearance in the final phase of Asia’s qualifying tournament for the 2010 World Cup finals while the North Koreans go into the game off the back of a morale-boosting 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
But former PSV Eindhoven midfielder Huh is confident his team can kick off their campaign with a win against a side he criticised for the defensive tactics.
“Defence-minded DPR Korea can only be a challenge to those who are at the same level as them,” said Huh.
“We are better than them in terms of skill and strategy, so we definitely can beat them.”
The two teams met in the previous round of qualifying, with both games ending scoreless as DPR Korea went through all of the third phase of qualifying without conceding a single goal
Huh, though, is confident his team can not only score but will win against their northern neighbours and give football in Korea Republic a much-needed lift, thanks in part to his team’s fitness levels
“We have no choice but to win the game,” Huh said. “A victory is necessary to boost football in Korea, which is a sluggish at the moment.
“The UAE dominated for most of the game but they were running out of stamina in the second half. However, we are ready in terms of stamina and spirit. We are going to spend every last ounce of strength on Wednesday to fight for a win.”
Huh has called youngsters Seo Dong-hyeon and Shin Yong-rok into his squad, with the coach looking towards Suwon Bluewings striker Seo in particular to deliver the goals his team have been lacking.
DPR Korea coach Kim Jong-hun, meanwhile, refused to apologise for his team’s defensive style, stressing its importance in his team’s success so far.
“Our defensive tactics are not only aimed at preventing the opponents from moving forward,” he said, “but are also a good strategy that will help facilitate our attacking.”
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