Having represented Korea Republic in two AFC Asian Cup tournaments and finishing third on both occasions - in 2007 and 2011 - veteran midfielder Yeom Ki-hun believes it is time for the Taeguk Warriors to end their six-decade-long wait for continental glory.
The-AFC.com asked the Suwon Samsung Bluewings man his predictions for the upcoming edition in the United Arab Emirates and Yeom gives his reasons why he thinks Korea Republic will lift the trophy come February 1.
Who will win AFC Asian Cup 2019 UAE?
I think Korea Republic will win the AFC Asian Cup 2019. We have a new coach and a great team. Several of the players in the squad are from those who won the 2018 Asian Games gold medal, while others played well in the FIFA World Cup, when we defeated Germany. So, we are confident in our ability, our tactics and our new coach. We will be hard to beat and we’re going to win the title.
Who will be in the final?
I expect we will play Australia or Japan in the final. Australia have a very physical style with strong defenders. They have good technique, organisation and are good physically. All Asian teams have a hard time playing against Australia. As for Japan, we know them well. All their players have excellent technical abilities, they are another strong team.
Who will be the Top Scorer at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 UAE?
Hwang Ui-jo is in really good form at the moment. His confidence is high and if he can maintain the performance levels that he showed at the Asian Games, he has a good chance to be among the contenders for Top Scorer.
Who will be the MVP at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 UAE?
The MVP is usually from the winning team, so since I’ve gone for Korea Republic as the winner, I’ll have to go for a Korean. Son Heung-min recently took over the captaincy from Ki Sueng-yueng, so I think – if Korea Republic can win the title – he’ll be the MVP.
Which young player can make his name at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 UAE?
I really like the look of Hwang In-beom. I saw his performance at the Asian Games and was so surprised by his high level, as he’s playing at a second tier team, Daejeon Citizen. If he can play like this at the AFC Asian Cup, then he could really be a young star to shine at the tournament.
Who will be the dark horse at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 UAE?
I'm not saying this because they are coached by a Korean, but I think Park Hang-seo's Vietnam could be the 2019 AFC Asian Cup dark horse. I watched their matches during the 2018 Asian Games, and they looked very impressive to me.
They have great teamwork, and they do not give up. Their young players also have a good technical ability and play tactically. As far as I know, they haven't qualified for the Asian Cup for a while and I believe they will surprise us at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019..
