Mentally we’ll be there, says coach

– Embattled coach Shin Tae-Yong has promised South Korea will “beef up their mental strength” and go all out for the victory against Uzbekistan tonight that would secure World Cup qualification for a ninth successive time.

“We’ll return home with victory no matter what,” vowed Shin ahead of the final Asian zone Group A encounter in Tashkent.

The Taeguk Warriors, with just one win in their last five qualifiers, could only manage a goalless draw at home to 10-man Iran last week to leave their qualification hopes in the balance.

Defeat in Uzbekistan could see the 2002 semifinalists fail to make it to the global showpiece for the first time since 1982 if thirdplaced Syria manage to win in Tehran tonight.

Unbeaten Iran have already qualified atop Group A with 21 points and are yet to concede a goal.

South Korea are second on 14 points but Syria and Uzbekistan are on 12.

A third-place finish would mean having to come through extended play-offs for a place in Russia.

“We’re in a difficult situation, but we’ll beef up our mental strength and will win,” said Shin, whose side failed to create a single shot on target despite the visitors playing the last 40 minutes with 10 men.

“It is not that we didn’t want to score,” Shin told reporters in Tashkent.

“The players worked hard, and while it is not an excuse, the pitch was not in a good condition.” – AFP