Contrasting the Korean national team coach , Carlos Queiroz  Iran’s boss wished the South Korean side all the best while also expressed his desire to celebrate Iran qualification for the World Cup like their host.

In the post-match press conference today , the Portuguese coach, who was involved in a stern indirect verbal argument with his Korean counterpart, warmly welcomed the media in presence  and apologized for his late arrival to the press conference due to the heavy traffic.  He said “ If Mr. Choi was present right now; he would have already started a war. However, we would like to apologize for the unpleasant exchanges. The Korean national team has virtually clinched a spot in the World Cup finals and I like to congratulate them” Queiroz commented.

“It is our outmost desire to see an entertaining game tomorrow and for a good reason. The Korean team will be celebrating and we would like to join them celebration. We respect South Korea’s very much, We’re here to finish the mission and hope to do it after the match. Tomorrow we achieve our mission in style.”

Queiroz was asked about the statement of a Korean player against Nekounam, which he responded in a calm manner ” I have worked and coached in many countries of the World In 33 years of professional career. I worked in Japan, USA, Spain, South Africa & England but never heard the kind of language that I have heard in the last few days, such as seeking revenge and make opponent eyes bleed. I believe that such matter have to end right here.”

Queiroz then expressed his admiration for the Korean people and culture, while emphasizing that he has not changed his mind about them because of the misdemeanor of a few individuals.

“I believe that the Korean Football federation consists of many respectable personalities and the Korean players are good people. The world knows that the Korean people are friendly, kind and welcoming. When one or two of these people use such hostile language while being disrespectful, it does not reflect on the good nature of the people of Korea, It is an individual act of disrepute.
Iran coach continued, “ For the sake of both countries fans, we have a duty to display good football . As also highlighted by FIFA rules, we also have to stick to the fair play football. It is an Iranian tradition that prior to a match, we award our competitors a bouquet of flower, and tomorrow we shall do that. When there is talk of revenge and blood, we simply respond by playing football. That is the decent and civilized way of responding. In fact,  It is the only way we know how to respond.  When there is talk about making someone’s eyes bleed, we will respond by running and by sweating it out . My final message is very simple, we are here to celebrate qualification to the World Cup, we did not come to engage in a fight against Korea. I’m requesting the Korean and Iranian media to come together to enjoy the football.” By his statement, Queiroz quelled any fear of rough play from his side.

BBC reporter asked Queiroz  “According to your previous message to Korean coach , will you buy him Uzbekistan shirt . My second question ,  after two years of living in Iran, how much of an Iranian do you feel?” The national coach of Iran said “allow me a little joke! I was ready to buy a shirt for Choi, but when he demanded 11 shirts, I changed my mind about my offer.  I do not have enough money to buy him eleven jerseys! In fact, at the end of the match I will shake hands with him. We shall both celebrate our teams qualifications.  It will be my pride to award Choi Iran’s jersey, but the answer to the second question: I feel at home in Iran . Iran is like where my Family is.”

Verbal feuds continues between Iran and the Koreans as both appear to be headed for one of Asia’s worst-tempered World Cup qualifiers after their coaches traded barbs and one player said he would make Iran’s captain cry “tears of blood”.

The gloves-off verbal sparring has dramatically raised temperatures ahead of their crunch meeting in Seoul on Tuesday.

After Korean coach Choi Kang-Hee’s promise to “make life painful” for Iran drew a strong response from their coach Carlos Queiroz and captain Javad Nekounam, the home players launched a fresh salvo.

“I will make him (Nekounam) shed tears of blood,” said Germany-based forward Son Heung-Min.

Son added: “Nekounam is known for talking too much. I will let my action on the pitch do the talking. We will beat them by three to four goals.”

The dispute follows South Korean complaints of ill-treatment during their visit to Tehran last October, with gripes including visa problems and poor training facilities. In a feisty encounter, South Korea lost 1-0 with Iran playing almost entire of the 2^nd half with one man short after Shojaei was sent off. .

Choi said memories of the trip were still fresh in his players’ minds, and vowed to return suit to Iran this week — in comments that were slammed by Nekounam and Queiroz, who called them “shameful”.

But the South Korean coach, who is set to resign from his post on Wednesday morning, was unrepentant, predicting that Queiroz would be watching next year’s World Cup in Brazil from his home in Portugal.

Midfielder Lee Myung-Joo, man of the match on debut in last week’s tight 1-0 win against Uzbekistan, also dismissed Nekounam as well as the threat posed by Iran.

“I don’t know who Nekounam is. I’ve only heard about him in the media,” said Lee. “I don’t think Iran are that strong. We can beat them if we just focus on playing our own game.”  It will be as an omen if Lee’s or his teammates fail to recognize Nekounam  As Iran’s Captain might very well repeat his feat and slip past the Koreans to score like he did in their last encounter.

Unlike their Japanese neighbors, the Koreans have always shown superciliousness and arrogant attitude towards opponents. While the Japanese, are known for their fair play and civilized attitude in football , the same cannot be said for the Koreans who are hostile and antagonist.

This match means much more than a football match. There are a lot in stake, of course the grandest prize of them all is the qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. There also the bragging right and the continued rivalry between the two nations’ football, where there is no love lost.

South Korea’s  senior team captain Kwak Tae-Hwi picked up an injury in the Uzbekistan match and will be absent. The hosts will be looking to forward Son Heung-min, who recently signed for Bayer Leverkusen, to cause problems for Iran.

he 20-year-old, who recently left Hamburger SV for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga league, made his first start in the final qualification round against Uzbekistan last week to mixed success.

He started as a striker alongside the towering Kim Shin-wook and had some moments of brilliance. Yet it was when Son was moved down to the wing in the second half that he showed more energy and creativity that made him a hotly pursued player among European clubs this summer.

Korea Joongang Daily

BY MOON GWANG-LIP

Son Heung-min enters the match against Iran tomorrow with much to prove.

Bragging rights as Asia’s strongest team are at stake in the bitter rivalry that will decide the winner of Group A of the World Cup final qualifying round. And many eyes will be on the 20-year-old striker, including those of his new club.

On Friday, Son confirmed signing a five-year contract with Leverkusen, a move that many predict will be a bridge to the English Premier League. Reports said Leverkusen paid 10 million euros ($13.3 million) – a record transfer fee for the German club, for the Korean.

“My new club has been decided now, so I will put my focus on the remaining match,” Son told a media conference Friday at the National Football Center in Paju, Gyeonggi.

Korea and Iran, the two leaders in Group A, will wrap up their qualifying campaign at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.

Uzbekistan, trailing Korea by three points and Iran by two, faces Qatar tomorrow and could overtake one of the leaders with a lopsided victory.

That has driven Korea coach Choi Kang-hee to declare the Iran match a must-win for Korea, although a draw could be enough for Korea’s eight successive World Cup entry.

Son was more confident.

“I think Korea is best,” Son said, when asked about facing Iran. “They are not a weak team, but we can surely beat them.”

Iran has been a tough opponent for Korea. During previous matchups, Korea has nine victories against 10 losses and seven draws.

Korea’s only loss in the final qualifying round for Brazil was against Iran, allowing Javad Nekounam to score the winning goal in the 73rd minute at Teheran on Oct. 16.

Son revealed that Nekounam kicked him in the back of the leg during the match, and he vowed to take revenge by scoring in the rematch.

“If we are armed well psychologically, I think we could win by three or four goals,” he said.

Choi used him on the left wing in two recent practices, raising the possibility that he will start Son for a second time. He also started the Uzbekistan match on June 11.

That would give him a good chance to impress Leverkusen and help ensure playing time with the southern German club, which would be indispensable for the advancement of his career.