SOUTH Korean and Manchester United star Park Ji-sung says he is relishing a “special” Asian Cup in what will almost certainly be his final regional championships.
If the Koreans are to win their first Asian Cup since 1960 they will need Ji-sung, one of the biggest names on show in Doha, to be at his very best.
“It will be a very special Asian Cup for me,” said captain Ji-sung, 29.
“I do not have much time left in the international game. This makes me want to win the Asian Cup more than ever before.”
The South Koreans are among the favourites, but will need to first safely negotiate their way through Group C, where they will likely battle Australia for top spot.
“They play a European style of football but we have many players who are based in Europe so we are not afraid of them,” said Ji-sung, looking forward to the mouth-watering showdown with the Socceroos on Jan 14.
South Korea begin their championship assault tomorrow against Bahrain, followed by Australia four days later and India on Jan 18.
Coach Cho Kwang-rae admitted it was high time South Korea won the Asian Cup again.
“There is a lot of pressure on us because we didn’t win this tournament in 51 years. This is also a big chance for us to win it.”
But the 2002 World Cup semi-finalists will have to do without key striker Park Chu-young.
Chu-young, who played up front as the sole striker during last year’s World Cup, hurt his knee while celebrating an injury-time winner for his French club Monaco against FC Sochaux on Dec 23.
No comments:
Post a Comment