Courtesy: The AFC.com


Korea plan two futsal friendlies

Thursday, 17 May 2012

Seoul: Korea Republic have arranged two futsal international friendlies ahead of the AFC Futsal Championship starting from May 25 in Dubai.

The Taeguk Warriors will start their AFC Futsal Championship campaign against tournament favourites Iran on the opening day followed by meetings with Australia and Qatar on subsequent days in Group C action.

In an attempt to prepare well for the tournament, Korea Republic will play the friendlies in Dubai on May 21 and 22. The first match is against Lebanon who are also featuring in the finals. Lebanon will meet Chinese Taipei, Japan and Tajikistan in Group B.

With Korea Republic’s potential quarterfinal opponents falling in Group D, they have another Group B opponent, Tajikistan, lining up for the May 22 friendly.

Despite preparing well for the tournament, Korea Republic’s coach Lee Chang-hwan is under no illusion on his serious task to progress beyond the group stages. “Our group is one of the strongest ones as we will have to play firm favourites Iran and there are teams in the ranks of Australia and Qatar as well,” he was quoted by the Korean media.

“Having said so, we believe that we can do well as our players are both mentally and physically well prepared for the tournament,” he added.

“Our futsal has grown with us already having three full seasons in the domestic league, so we expect more from this team than before.”

Korea qualified for the tournament proper after finishing runners-up in East Zone qualification. The top four teams of the AFC Futsal Championship 2012 qualify for the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup to be held later this year in Thailand.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com