Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Canberra: Korea Republic midfielder Nam Tae-hee has declared that the Taeguk Warriors are focused on recording a successful start to their AFC Asian Cup 2015 Group A campaign when they face Oman on Saturday.
The Koreans, who completed their first training session at Canberra’s Deakin Stadium on Tuesday, are thought by many to be among the favourites to win Asia’s premier tournament, something they have not done since claiming back-to-back titles in 1956 and 1960.
However, having also been drawn alongside host nation Australia and 1980 champions Kuwait, Nam knows his side cannot afford to take anything for granted if they are to qualify for the competition’s knockout phase and edge closer to continental glory.
"There are no easy opponents at the Asian Cup,” the 23-year-old who currently plies his trade in Qatar with 2015 AFC Champions League hopefuls Lekhwiya, told reporters.
"I know the Australia team is probably the toughest opponent in the group stage, but for now we'll just focus on the first game (against Oman).
"It's my second time playing against Oman after playing them in the Olympic Games, and there's a lot of fast players in the Oman team,” he concluded.
The Group A action will begin on Friday with the tournament’s opening game between Australia and Kuwait at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
AFC Asian Cup 2015 Group A Fixtures:
Australia v Kuwait (Melbourne) January 9
Korea Republic v Oman (Canberra) January 10
Kuwait v Korea Republic (Canberra) January 13
Oman v Australia (Sydney) January 13
Australia v Korea Republic (Brisbane) January 17
Oman v Kuwait (Newcastle) January 17