Tense atmosphere has risen for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup semi-finals which will present two classic vengeance battles between two pairs of foes.
South Korea, who suffered an unlucky elimination by the Iraqi at last year's Doha Asian Games semi-finals, will meet the side from a war-torn nation again on Wednesday. Another clash will be a repeat of the final game in the continent's biggest soccer tournament seven years ago when Japan beat Saudis 1-0.
It's almost certain that boss Pim Verbeek has special desire to take on Iraq as he witnessed the South Korean Olympic team assassinated by Iraqi captain Younis Mahmoud in a lop-sided game. The South Koreans dominated 90 minutes with their high-tempo and quick one-touch passes, but the tenacious Iraq just hold the one goal lead to the end.
Japan frustrated Saudi Arabia with a convincing win in the 2000 Asian Cup final, which nearly marked a new era of their reign within Asia after long time efforts.
Japan's Brazilian stamp has been clearly shown since that success and they clinched title four years later in China. But this time, an in-form Saudi Arabia side are likely to challenge the defending champions with individual brilliance as skipper Yasser Al Kahtani could threaten any defence line single-handedly.
The two battles will also be a fierce confrontation of the Western and Eastern Asian teams, which side will take the upper hand will be an interesting suspense.
Source: Xinhua
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