Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ras Al Khaimah: The similarity in playing style between Uzbekistan and defeated Quarter-finalists Iran could help Korea Republic in Wednesday's semi-final according to Korean coach Lee Kwang-jong.
The Koreans, who are looking to extend their AFC U-19 Championship-winning record to 12 with a title triumph in the UAE, cruised to a 4-1 victory over an Iranian side that, prior to their capitulation in Sunday's last-eight meeting at the Emirates Club Stadium, had emerged as one of the tournament favourites.
"There are so many similarities between Iran and Uzbekistan so if we can perform the way we did on Sunday against Iran then I am confident we will get the win in Wednesday's semi-final, Lee told www.the-afc.com.
"Uzbekistan have quality everywhere, Their defence is very compact and they like to hit you on the counter-attack. But after the Iran match we have regained our form back and our confidence is sky high.
Korea Republic finished runner-up in Group B behind Iraq on goal difference and after playing out a goalless draw with the eventual table-toppers their attack struggled to gel in the subsequent group stage wins over Thailand (2-1) and China (1-0).
"Earlier, we were a good offensive side but we were struggling to convert our chances to goals but that changed in the Iran match and I am hoping for the same against Uzbekistan."
With Uzbekistan, in the eyes of Lee, playing in such a similar way to Iran, the question is will the Korean tactician line up with the same side that put Akbar Argi's side to the sword a few days back or will he try something different in the semi-final.
"Because of the nature of the opponents there will be changes but I will decide those only on Wednesday. So far we don't have any major injury concerns," he said.