Koreans tough enough for Aussies, says captain Ki

Published : Jan 28, 2015 - 20:04 Updated : Jan 28, 2015 - 20:17

South Korea could thrive in the role of underdogs when they face hosts Australia in the Asian Cup final this weekend, says skipper Ki Sung-Yueng.

Having reached the final for the first time in 27 years battered, bruised and held together by team spirit and sheer bloody-mindedness, the Swansea City midfielder told Korean reporters on Wednesday that the Red Devils had the steel to go all the way.

"I believe it will come down to mental strength," said Ki, who has been a calming influence on South Korea after losing the influential pairing of Lee Chung-Yong and Koo Ja-Cheol to injury in the group stages.

"That will be more important than physical strength," he added, noting that the Australians would hold the advantage in terms of power. "This is a great opportunity for South Korean football."

South Korea's rich pedigree speaks for itself, the team famously reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2002. But they have curiously failed to lift the Asian Cup since 1960.

"We understand the magnitude of the game without anyone telling us,"

insisted Ki when reminded of the fact before Saturday's showdown in Sydney.

But coach Uli Stielike has moulded a resilient side in his own image, the former West Germany international renowned in his playing days as a steely defensive midfielder who went on to become a fan favourite for Real Madrid after joining them in 1977.

The Taeguk Warriors have reached the final without conceding a goal, beating Australia 1-0 along the way to secure top spot in Group A.

Forward Lee Jeong-Hyeop has become a smash hit with fans after scoring the winner against the Socceroos and another in Monday's 2-0 win over Iraq in the semi-finals.

A shock selection by Stielike before the tournament, Lee confessed he had no idea if he will even start in the final -- and insisted it didn't matter either way.

"I don't know if I'll play," he said before training. "It's not about personal milestones at all. All that matters is winning the title. People are talking about me because I've scored a couple of goals but my job is to score goals."

Lee, who is currently completing his mandatory military service with the K-League's Army side Sangmu Phoenix, warned that Australia would be fired up as they chase a first Asian title in front of their home fans.

"They will be more prepared this time," he said. "That means we will ahve to analyze them more closely too and be ready." (AFP)