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Ghotbi: Iran Under More Pressure Than Korea
Former LA Galaxy assistant coach Afshin Ghotbi knows South Korea and Iran better than most. The former assistant coach of the 2002 World Cup semi-finalists led Tehran giants Persepolis to the Iranian title last May. He was happy to tell Goal.com his thoughts on Wednesday’s 2010 World Cup qualifier between the two teams.
Feb 11, 2009 2:01:54 AM
Iran are in second place in Group Two in Asia's region with five points
from three games, two behind Korea.
According to Ghotbi, Team Melli need the win badly.
“Iran is under more pressure,” he told Goal.com. “The pressure is immense and fueled by the expectations of the fans... Iran needs to win, and a draw is a good result for Korea."
Korea have never won in Iran. Ghotbi acknowledges that Iran’s Azadi Stadium provides a massive advantage for the hosts, it can also be made to work against them.
"Azadi stadium is a fantastic stadium with a lot of history. When full to the capacity, the energy can really inspire great performances…Korean players have a lot of experience and most of the players have played in difficult venues. South Korea can reverse the "Azadi effect" by controlling the game and scoring first.
"Iran's strength is the quality of the individual players, and Korea's strength is the quality of the sum of the players.
"Both teams have problems in the back four however. Iran relays too much on emotion and energy lacking the tactical organization and discipline. Korea struggles in the final third of the pitch with taking the right tactical decisions."
John Duerden, Goal.com Asia Editor
“Iran is under more pressure,” he told Goal.com. “The pressure is immense and fueled by the expectations of the fans... Iran needs to win, and a draw is a good result for Korea."
Korea have never won in Iran. Ghotbi acknowledges that Iran’s Azadi Stadium provides a massive advantage for the hosts, it can also be made to work against them.
"Azadi stadium is a fantastic stadium with a lot of history. When full to the capacity, the energy can really inspire great performances…Korean players have a lot of experience and most of the players have played in difficult venues. South Korea can reverse the "Azadi effect" by controlling the game and scoring first.
"Iran's strength is the quality of the individual players, and Korea's strength is the quality of the sum of the players.
"Both teams have problems in the back four however. Iran relays too much on emotion and energy lacking the tactical organization and discipline. Korea struggles in the final third of the pitch with taking the right tactical decisions."
John Duerden, Goal.com Asia Editor
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