Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
The AFC Asian Cup trophy returned to Korea Republic for the first time in over half a century this weekend as former Taeguk Warriors national team icon Ahn Jung-hwan attended the latest leg of the coveted prize’s journey to Australia ahead of January’s continental showpiece.
With the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 kicking-off in Melbourne in less than two months’ time, the fourth leg of the highly-anticipated Trophy Tour took place in downtown Seoul with the continent’s biggest prize taking centre stage.
And with two-time champions Korea having finished third at the previous AFC Asian Cup in 2011, hopes are high Uli Stielike’s side can return with the trophy following the final in Sydney on January 31 as the Taeguk Warriors seek to finally land a third continental title.
“We only have two months left before the tournament and to win the AFC Asian Cup the players need to calm themselves down mentally and physically,” said Ahn, who played at the 2004 AFC Asian Cup in China as Korea reached the quarter-finals.
“Now we have a new coach. I am sure it’s not easy, but the players will have more motivation because we have a new coach.
“I think it will depend on how we are ready with our mental attitude for the tournament, so I am hoping the team will prepare with the right mental attitude.”
Two-time champions Korea, who secured automatic qualification for the 2015 edition after edging out Uzbekistan in the third place play-off in 2011, will make a record-equaling 13th appearance at the AFC Asian Cup in January following back-to-back third place finishes at the previous two editions.
Korea, who have also participated in every FIFA World Cup since 1986, won the first two editions of the AFC Asian Cup in both 1956 and 1960 but have since lost three finals in 1972, 1980, 1988 while also finishing third on four occasions.
“As a person who likes football, I am thankful the trophy is in Korea and it was a pleasure to see it,” said Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors supporter Jeong Byoung-jun, who plans to travel to Australia for January’s tournament as a member of Korea’s supporters group, the Red Devils.
“I think Korea will win the Asian Cup.”
The Trophy Tour commenced in China in September before visiting Qatar and United Arab Emirates, and following next week’s trip to Japan, will finally arrive in Sydney at the start of December.
The trophy will then visit all five host cities - Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane - ahead of the opening game of the tournament in Melbourne on January 9 as 2011 finalists Australia take on 1980 champions Kuwait.