Manager hoping to avoid Iran in final qualifying draw


It’s been less than three months since Choi Kang-hee became the new national soccer team manager. But he is enjoying the most successful part of his 10-year coaching career after saving Korea from being knocked out of the Asian qualifying round for the 2014 World Cup.

Choi, however, indicated Monday that he knows his job is only temporary. His appointment in December came amid a series of troubles on the national team. Korea suffered a shocking defeat to Lebanon in November, which led to the sacking of former national team manager Cho Kwang-rae.

Last week, Korea faced Kuwait in a crucial match in the third round of Asian qualifying. A defeat to the Middle Eastern side could have ended Korea’s 2014 World Cup dream.

Despite the pressures of the game, Choi helped the team advance to the final round of Asian qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Kuwait at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

But on Monday Choi said that it became “clear” after the game that he wanted to leave.

“I have no intention of going to Brazil,” he said.

It was not the first time he revealed his intention to leave the team. During a press conference in December, Choi noted that his term would be until 2013.

He said that a “more experienced and talented” manager should lead the national team in the World Cup finals in 2014.

Speaking for the first time after the Kuwait game, Choi admitted that his team had a difficult game against the visiting side.

“The game didn’t go as expected. We could’ve lost,” Choi said. “If we had lost, I would have left this country in shame.”

But he added that the difficult game gave him plenty to think about before going into the final qualifying round. He said he is keen to bring in more young players from the U23 squad following the London Olympics.

“Korea has many good players. I believe we have a great chance to qualify through the final round,” he added.

In the final qualifying round, 10 teams, including Korea, Japan, Australia, Lebanon, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Oman and Qatar, will be divided into two groups of five. The draw is scheduled for Friday in Kuala Lumpur.

Asia has 4.5 tickets for the 2014 Brazil World Cup. The winners and runners-up of each group will automatically qualify for the finals. The two third-placed teams will clash in a playoff and the winner will advance.

Korea and Australia are expected to receive the top seeds in each group, avoiding a face off. But this means Korea could be grouped with either Japan or Iran.

When asked about the draw, Choi said he would prefer to face archrival Japan than the Middle Eastern powerhouse.

“Playing an away game in Iran would be tough. It’s a long trip,” he said.

But in the final round, he admitted, every game will be tough and small mistakes can determine a win or loss.

“In every game, we need to focus on playing our best, like we’re playing in a competition final,” he said.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)