South Korea may be one of the favorites to win the Asian Cup going into its Group C opener against Bahrain on Monday, but coach Cho Kwang-Rae says the key to success will be keeping calm.
A World Cup semifinalist on home soil in 2002, South Korea reached the round of 16 at last year's World Cup and is in Qatar bidding to end a 51-year wait for honors at Asia's premier international tournament.
The Koreans kick off their campaign against Bahrain at the Al Gharafa Stadium before a showdown with fellow heavyweight Australia on January 14, followed by a final group game against India on January 18.
South Korea and Australia are widely expected to breeze through the group phase, but Cho insists his men cannot afford to take their eyes off the ball in their opening game.
"I've watched videos of Bahrain's matches and I've been to the stadium to watch their games," Cho said on Sunday.
"The analysis has been done. Bahrain are a strong all-round team, so it will be quite a difficult game for us.
"I will speak to the players. The only thing they need to focus on is playing with confidence. Once they start enjoying the game, they will do a good job."
Cho's words were echoed by captain Park Ji-Sung, who has hinted that this may be his final international tournament.
"The first match of the tournament is very important," said the Manchester United midfielder.
"We have many young players without international experience, so I will tell the boys to enjoy the game. Once they are comfortable in the game, they will have no problems."
South Korea warmed-up with a training camp in Abu Dhabi, where it played against Syria and a local club side.
Cho revealed that he had taken special steps to prepare his team for the nimble attacking play characteristic of Gulf sides such as Bahrain.
"In comparison with when the players were called up at the beginning of our preparations, we have progressed a lot," said Cho, who was appointed in July.
"We were especially focusing on not letting the skillful Middle East players play their own game and get on the ball.
"That aspect has progressed a lot. The players have improved their organisation. I'm satisfied with their preparation."
Bahrain beat South Korea 2-1 when the two teams met at the last Asian Cup in 2007, but progressed no further than the group phase.
Bahrain limped out of the Gulf Cup late last year after picking up only a single point, and coach Salman Sharida says his team will have to get to grips with the speed of the South Korean team.
"The Korean national team, like all the national teams in modern football, depends on speed," said Sharida, a former Bahrain international.
"Korea relies on playing the ball quickly. But Bahrain are capable and we have the ability to withstand the speedy play of the Korean team."
Bahrain is crossing their fingers that captain Salman Isa will play after the left-back sustained a leg injury prior to the tournament.
The Al Arabi Club star took over the captaincy when previous skipper Mohammed Salmeen broke his leg but tore a muscle in a recent friendly against Saudi Arabia.
"Salman Isa is undergoing treatment and his condition is improving by the day," said Sharida.
"He took part in training and his condition will determine whether he plays or not. I would say there is an 80 percent chance he will play."
Australia and India meet in the other Group C match on Monday, with the top two sides from each group going through to the last eight.
A World Cup semifinalist on home soil in 2002, South Korea reached the round of 16 at last year's World Cup and is in Qatar bidding to end a 51-year wait for honors at Asia's premier international tournament.
The Koreans kick off their campaign against Bahrain at the Al Gharafa Stadium before a showdown with fellow heavyweight Australia on January 14, followed by a final group game against India on January 18.
South Korea and Australia are widely expected to breeze through the group phase, but Cho insists his men cannot afford to take their eyes off the ball in their opening game.
"I've watched videos of Bahrain's matches and I've been to the stadium to watch their games," Cho said on Sunday.
"The analysis has been done. Bahrain are a strong all-round team, so it will be quite a difficult game for us.
"I will speak to the players. The only thing they need to focus on is playing with confidence. Once they start enjoying the game, they will do a good job."
Cho's words were echoed by captain Park Ji-Sung, who has hinted that this may be his final international tournament.
"The first match of the tournament is very important," said the Manchester United midfielder.
"We have many young players without international experience, so I will tell the boys to enjoy the game. Once they are comfortable in the game, they will have no problems."
South Korea warmed-up with a training camp in Abu Dhabi, where it played against Syria and a local club side.
Cho revealed that he had taken special steps to prepare his team for the nimble attacking play characteristic of Gulf sides such as Bahrain.
"In comparison with when the players were called up at the beginning of our preparations, we have progressed a lot," said Cho, who was appointed in July.
"We were especially focusing on not letting the skillful Middle East players play their own game and get on the ball.
"That aspect has progressed a lot. The players have improved their organisation. I'm satisfied with their preparation."
Bahrain beat South Korea 2-1 when the two teams met at the last Asian Cup in 2007, but progressed no further than the group phase.
Bahrain limped out of the Gulf Cup late last year after picking up only a single point, and coach Salman Sharida says his team will have to get to grips with the speed of the South Korean team.
"The Korean national team, like all the national teams in modern football, depends on speed," said Sharida, a former Bahrain international.
"Korea relies on playing the ball quickly. But Bahrain are capable and we have the ability to withstand the speedy play of the Korean team."
Bahrain is crossing their fingers that captain Salman Isa will play after the left-back sustained a leg injury prior to the tournament.
The Al Arabi Club star took over the captaincy when previous skipper Mohammed Salmeen broke his leg but tore a muscle in a recent friendly against Saudi Arabia.
"Salman Isa is undergoing treatment and his condition is improving by the day," said Sharida.
"He took part in training and his condition will determine whether he plays or not. I would say there is an 80 percent chance he will play."
Australia and India meet in the other Group C match on Monday, with the top two sides from each group going through to the last eight.
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