Koreans face goalkeeper setback

By Ajitpal Singh

THOUGH South Korea coach Cho Myung Jun is unlikely to have his first choice goalkeeper Lee Myung Ho for the Asia Cup final, he is still confident of victory against Pakistan in Kuantan today.

"Myung Ho overstrained his knee against Japan on Thursday. It's a pity that he will most likely miss the final. However, we have an able replacement in Kang Seong Hwan," said Myung Jun yesterday.
Seong Hwan, 22, is set to earn his first international cap.
Myung Jun said his players are confident of beating former world champions Pakistan.
"Our players are focused and ready for the final. We came here to qualify for World Cup and we will do it," he added.
The winners of today's final will earn a ticket to next year's World Cup in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, Pakistan coach Shahid Ali Khan said his players are in confident mood after the semi-final victory over Malaysia.
"My players are aware that it is important to win here for the World Cup berth.
"Korea are a very tactical side and but I have my strategies to ensure victory," said Shahid.
Pakistan have won the Asia Cup three times -- in 1982, 1985, 1989 while South Korea triumphed in 1993 and 1999.