JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia hopes to move a step closer to the second automatic World Cup spot from Group B when it plays South Korea today in the Asian qualifiers.
The critical match in South Korea will be played at 2 p. m. Saudi time with the Saudi national team seeking victory that would take some of the pressure off its last match against North Korea.
Having qualified for the World Cup finals in South Africa in 2010 after beating UAE 2-0 last week, South Korea has the luxury to play pressure-free football against the Saudis who lost the first leg 2-0 of the sides’ home and away series in Riyadh. South Korea leads the group with 14 points. The Saudis warmed up for the match by thrashing China 4-1 and coach Jose Peseiro hopes they can produce the same sort of form today.
“Our main goal is beating South Korea. We scored so many goals against China, I hope we still have enough good luck in next game and beat them,” he told reporters.
The second automatic World Cup berth in Group B is a toss-up between Saudi Arabia and North Korea. North Korea is currently second in the group on 11 points, one ahead of Saudi Arabia but having played a game more. If South Korea defeats Saudi Arabia, then North Korea only needs a draw against them in Riyadh next Wednesday to qualify.
The Saudis, third in the group on 10 points, likewise gets the option of a draw against North Korea if they beat South Korea, while a loss means they must win their last home game of the final phase of the qualifiers.
Luck smiled on Saudi Arabia after North Korea and Iran tied their match last week in Iran.
The Saudi team arrived in South Korea last Monday. It is expected that the Saudi team will attack from the get-go in search of a winner. The moral of the Saudi players is high especially after getting a big break from the drawn NK-Iran tie. Despite the temptation to relax, South Korea coach Huh Jung-Moo said he was determined to close out the qualification rounds undefeated. His charges so far have four wins and two draws. They take on Iran next Wednesday.
“I told my players the party was over Sunday,” Huh said. “We still have work left to do.”
— With input from agencies
