Celtic defender Cha Du-Ri has been singled out for praise ahead of tomorrow’s South Korea-Australia Asian Cup clash.
Cha’s athletic pounding up and down the right flank was a major feature of the Koreans 2-1 win over Bahrain in the opening group match.
The Australia-South Korea clash looks likely to provide the winners of Group C which should provide for an easier quarter final opponent.
Looking ahead to the clash with Australia Korean boss Cho Kwang-rae said: “Cha Du-ri did an excellent job in the previous game.
“When it comes to the pressurising off the ball he is very good at this but the general defensive organisation has been developed by him. I am expecting him to play a good match again against Australia.
“It is the most important game of the group and it depends which team controls the game as to who will get the result.
“We will prepare for set-pieces, we are shorter than the Australian guys but it is important to get the right timing and position when defending.
“I believe they are well organised in defence, when they attack they switch the play well and they have good players who can deliver dangerous crosses but we’re prepared and I believe the players will do a very good job.”
The Australian side has been devastated by the news from Brisbane which has been a city under siege from flood water.
The Socceroos will wear a special jersey bearing the message ‘Australia Flood Relief Appeal-Donate now’ in memory of the flood victims.
Aussie skipper Lucas Neil said: “It’s a massive disaster. Australian people have unfortunately died and people are missing. The floods are never-ending, people are losing their houses and it is a concern of the Socceroos team.
“Our thoughts and wishes are with the people back home and we hope we can do them proud over here.”
Ki’s inside track on Australia
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