Millions of fans are eagerly waiting for the match between Japan and South Korea which will be held on January 25, 2011. These two strong East Asian teams will face each other in the first semi-final of the AFC Asian Cup 2011. The match will take place at the Al-Gharafa Stadium in Doha. The Taegeuk Warriors will take on their rival teams at 16:25 local time (13:25 GMT).
The match between these two strong teams is going to be a crucial one. Both teams will face each other for a much victory. Victory is needed for both teams to move into the final round. With this match, one team will move to the final round while the defeating team will compete for the third placed team with the other defeating team from the in the semi-final round.
However, both teams will try their best to win the match. They will be eyeing for Asia’s sub-continental trophy. Japan is now ready to face their old cross-strait rivals. Japan coach, Alberto Zaccheroni, said that the match was going to be a difficult match but it was going to be a difficult match for the opponent as well.
Japan became the first team to move forward to the last four of the Asian Cup 2011. They defeated the host Qatar by 3-2. For Japan, Kagawa individually scored two goals while Inoha scored the last minute goal to lead to lead his team to a victory. Qatar also played well but failed to move further.
South Korea faced tough challenge against Iran to ensure their place as the fourth semi-finalists team. Both teams were goalless at the end of the game. However, replaced player Yoon Bit-garam who came in the field in the place of Koo Ja-cheol in the 81st minute, scored a crucial goal in the first overtime period. It was their first victory over Iran since 12th October 2005.
Compared to Japan, South Korea faces tough opponent in the semi-final round. S Physically fitness and strength will be a key factor in this match. Before the semi-final match, Japan has got three days off to take rest and it is sufficient enough to recover from injury.
To give rest to his players, Coach Cho Kwang-rae decided not to practice for a day. It will help the Korean players to be physically fit.
Injury will be another key factor in this match. Captain Park Ji-sung is not sure for tomorrow’s match against Japan. He hurt his right cheekbone in a conflict with Iran’s Gholamreza Rezaei in the 16th minute. Coach expects that Park Ji-sung will be recovered soon and join the team.
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