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| 2010 FIFA World Cup |
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| Huh: We let ourselves down |
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| Korea Republic coach Huh Jung-moo was disappointed his side didn't pick up all three points against DPR Korea. (AFP) |
SHANGAHI – Korea Republic coach Huh Jung-moo felt his side did not do themselves justice as they began the final round of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup with a 1-1 draw against DPR Korea at Hongkou Stadium.
Following two goalless draws between the sides during the previous stage, DPR Korea took the lead in the Group Two encounter after 64 minutes when opposition skipper Kim Nam-il was adjudged to have impeded Jong Tae-se as the duo contested a header.
Hong Yong-jo netted the resultant penalty but Ki Seung-yeung equalised with a smart volley five minutes later to ensure a point for Korea Republic.
Huh felt his side under-performed as they enjoyed plenty of possession but could not find a way to unlock their neighbour’s resolute backline, although he was ultimately satisfied with a point.
“We knew the problem would be to break down their defence and we tried very hard to solve this problem,” Huh said.
“But we still failed and this was the main reason that we couldn’t emerge triumphant today.
“As DPR Korea were thought to be a not very strong side in the Group Two, we thought this contest would be a must-win game.
“But we had injury problems and the players were under a lot of pressure, so we didn’t play our best football today.
“It’s not a bad result all in all. There will be wins and losses in football. I think we have the ability to be a strong side and the players are more than capable.”
Korea Republic fielded a side made up mainly of K-League players with household names such as Park Ji-sung, Seol Ki-hyeon and Lee Young-pyo missing from the starting line-up.
“We are making measures to fine-tune our squad,” Huh added.
“We are still confident. We will face hot weather during the coming away games and we have to get physically ready ahead of the tough matches.”
Following an impressive 2-1 victory in the UAE on Saturday in their opening Group Two game, DPR Korea coach Kim Jong-hun lamented that they could not make it two consecutive wins as both Hong and Mun In-guk missed excellent chances.
However, he was satisfied with his side’s display in light of the draining trip to the Middle East.
“I am a bit disappointed,” he said.
“But I am satisfied with my players because they played good football today.
“We were exhausted in that climate (in the UAE). Otherwise we could have delivered a better performance.”
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