Match Preview – Korea Republic v Iraq

Posted Monday, January 26, 2015 by Outside90.com

The Asian Cup Semi-finals begin tonight as South Korea takes on Iraq in Sydney. One team will take another step forward towards the trophy, while the other will find an arduous journey hit a premature end.

One of the favourites for victory since the outset of the tournament, the Koreans have made their way to the final four with efficient play and supreme teamwork. After three straight 1-0 wins (including the defeat of hosts Australia), the Reds emerged on-top of Group A, where there had been few moments during along the way where they had looked in jeopardy.

However, Uli Stielike’s men were certainly tested in their Quarter-final clash against Uzbekistan, where a highly entertaining game was sent to extra-time after a scoreless ending to the 90. South Korea was able to capitalise as their opponents tired, with Son Heung-min scoring a brace to seal the result.

On the other hand, a 3-3 draw which lead to a nail-biting penalty shootout with Iran would not be the biggest threat to Iraq’s Asian Cup hopes from the previous match. After the victory, their Quarter-final opponents appealed the result claiming that the Iraqi’s had fielded an ineligible player in midfielder Alaa Abdulzehra.

Putting the team’s entire tournament in-doubt with little over 24 hours to go before the game, the complaint was being investigated until late Sunday, when the AFC disciplinary committee cleared the Lions of Mesopotamia for any wrong-doing.

Key Battle – Ki Sung-yueng v Yaser Kasim

Heavily marked by the Uzbekistani’s in the previous match, it was a somewhat quiet outing for Ki Sung-yueng, who had his hands full with the defensive responsibilities of the holding-midfield role. That being said, he has exemplified the on-field consistency which is taking South Korea through the tournament and can cut through defences with passing or a solo run.

The most exciting, and dangerous player for Radhi Shenaishil’s side, Yaser Kasim had a starring role to play in the Quarter-final as he constantly found space through the Iranian defenders to set up opportunities for the team. The experience of playing in England is clearly a huge asset for Max Luongo’s Swindon Town teammate, taking it to defenders and picking up fouls which lead to goals.

With Ki playing just above the defence, these two are likely to see a lot of each other over the 90, a truly tantalising prospect which are what makes international tournaments so great.

Team News

At this stage in a tournament fatigue can begin to play a part for many teams, and the Koreans had it a lot harder when the team was ravaged by a flu which the coach says is still affecting some players. However, displaying the Taegeuk Warrior spirit, they have not let this stand in the way of victory. Despite gruelling outings for both Lee Chung-yong and Koo Ja-cheol who were substituted with injury, Stielike says his starting line-up will not be changed.

Korea Republic expected XI: Kim Jin-Hyeon, Kim Chang-Soo, Kwak Tae-hwi, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Jin-Su, Ki Sung-Yeung, Han Kook-young, Han Kyo-won, Nam Tae-Hae, Son Seung-Min, Lee Jeong-hyeop.

Shenaishil insists that the controversy surrounding his midfielder has not hindered his sides preparations for the Semi-final, however it must have added further pressure amongst a frantic few days. The Lions of Mesopotamia also played 120 minutes in the Quarter-finals, but with one-less day to recover they will need to find a new gear at the ANZ Stadium tonight.

Iraq expected XI: Jalal Hassan Hachim, Ahmad Ibrahim Khalaf, Salam Shakir, Dhurgham Ismail, Yaser Kasim, Amjad Kalaf, Ahmed Yasin, Saad Abdulameer, J. Meram, Younis Mahmoud, Waleed Salim.

Head-to-head

Match Preview – Korea Republic v Iraq

Tonight’s meeting will be the 20th fixture between the teams, with Korea Republic having won six to the Iraqi’s four, with nine draws. The Reds will be looking to get some revenge, but will also be weary of what surprises the Iraqi’s can throw up after a 2007 Asian Cup knockout clash ended in a heartbreaking 4-3 shooutout.

Previous Meeting

They last met in a 2009 friendly where the Korean’s came from behind to win 2-1, with goals from Chi Woo-Kim and Keun Ho-lee