S. Korea, China aim to go all out

abu dhabi — South Korea may have Son Heung-min available but China will not let that affect their focus when the two regional rivals meet in a winner-takes-all Group C clash at the Al Nahyan Stadium on Wednesday.

The East Asian sides go into the clash with perfect records, having beaten Kyrgyzstan and Philippines in their earlier matches, and a draw would mean China PR topping the group on goal difference, AFC website reported.

Both nations are likely to rotate their teams with the knockout stage looming but the aim, said China head coach Marcello Lippi and Paulo Bento — his South Korea counterpart — will still be to win.

“It is important for the team’s momentum that we continue performing well. Korea are a top team and Son is just one of many good players they have. If we are to stop South Korea, it must be as a team and that is what I have been stressing to the players,” said Lippi.

Lippi said his team selection would depend on the condition of his players.

“I will rest players who are nursing injuries and yes, Wu Lei will not play as I do not want to risk it. He is recovering but I will leave him out as a precaution,” said Lippi.

South Korea head coach Bento said a decision on whether Son would play would only be made on Wednesday. “Of course we know how many matches he has played the last (few) months. We also know that he is a very important player for our team,” said Bento.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Son arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday after a hectic 2018 for club and country, which also saw him playing in South Korea’s Asian Games triumph.