South Korea are hoping lightning does not strike twice when they face Iraq in the Asian Cup semi-finals today.
The Koreans have failed to win Asia’s showcase tournament since 1960.
But, as coach Uli Stielike tries to rouse his injury-hit squad for the clash in Sydney, memories of Iraq’s run to the 2007 Asian Cup title still haunt the country’s football fans.
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South Korea were stunned on penalties in the semi-finals by Iraq, who then beat Saudi Arabia in the final in Jakarta.
“It was very special for Iraq to win the Asian Cup in 2007,” Iraq coach Radhi Shenaishil said.
“The hardships our country has been suffering makes it very hard for us, but hopefully this new generation of players can remind our people of 2007.
“We have a lot of history with Korea. They are a great team, one of the best in Asia but rankings mean nothing in the semi-finals.
“All four teams can win it and every team is under pressure.”
Stielike has been busy patching up his walking wounded and will be hoping South Korea’s golden boy Son Heung-min can repeat his midweek heroics, when he struck twice in extra time in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Uzbekistan.
The forward, dubbed “Sonaldo” by his teammates at German club Bayer Leverkusen, was the hero despite not having fully recovered from a flu bug and then having to leave the pitch on a stretcher.
Injuries have ended the involvement of winger Lee Chung-yong and midfielder Koo Ja-cheol, while Son is struggling for fitness.
Stielike has, therefore, been monitoring daily medical reports of his squad.
However, the Korea coach insisted his players were ready to for the Asian Cup semi-final.
“Other than Lee and Koo, there is no sorrow over injuries or sickness,” he said, wary of his side’s status as overwhelming favourites.
“Sport is all about surprises. If we don’t want to have a surprise tomorrow then we have to work very hard.
“If you look at Melbourne Park, Roger Federer is out of the [Australian Open tennis].
“We have to accept we are favourites but we are also playing the champions of 2007, it’s history but it’s fact.”
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