S. Korea tie 1-1 with Iran in World Cup qualifier

(ATTN: ADDS quotes in paras 4,7,8)
SEOUL, June 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea tied 1-1 with Iran in a 2010 World Cup
qualifier in Seoul on Wednesday, finishing its Asian qualifying round without any
defeat for the first time in two decades.

With the draw, South Korea completed the World Cup Asian qualifier with 16 points
-- four wins and four draws, retaining the top spot of Group B. Prior to the
match with Iran, South Korea had already secured its seventh consecutive World
Cup berth.
It is the first time in 20 years since the 1990 Italy World Cup that the South
Koreans have advanced to the World Cup finals without a defeat in the Asian
qualifier rounds.
"I have never thought of failing to go to the World Cup finals. Thanks to the
Korean people's fervent support, we have finally accomplished our goal," South
Korean coach Huh Jung-moo told reporters after the match. "Now, it's just the
beginning. We will make full preparations to yield good results in South Africa."
Iran's tie-breaking goal in the 51st minute, which FIFA recorded as an own goal
by South Korean defender Kim Dong-jin, pushed it ahead of South Korea.
But South Korean winger Park Ji-sung of Manchester United scored an equalizer in
the 81st minute. Park drove into the goal area and slammed the left-foot shot at
the near post, showing great control to evade two Iranian defenders.
"We're sorry that we didn't win the home game, but I think we had a good match,"
said Park, who is also the South Korean captain. "We will make every effort to
pass the first round of the World Cup finals and advance to the Round of 16."
Iran's soccer coach Afshin Qotbi said that he was disappointed at the game's
result. "Depending on the result of a match between Saudi Arabia and North Korea,
Iran can revive its last hope," said Qotbi.
The draw between South Korea and Iran brightened the outlook for the two Koreas
to simultaneously reach the World Cup finals in South Africa next year, as North
Korea is to face off with Saudi Arabia several hours later in Riyadh.
North Korea and Saudi Arabia, both scoring 11 points so far, will vie for the
second spot of Group B to secure the fourth Asian ticket to South Africa. In
Asian Group A, Australia and Japan have already earned spots in the World Cup
finals.
Even a draw in the Riyadh match, set to begin at 3 a.m. (Korean time), will give
North Korea their second World Cup appearance since 1966.
Iran failed to grab a much-needed three points in Seoul but can clinch third
place for intercontinental play-offs if Saudi Arabia is defeated by North Korea.
Only the top two nations from each group go directly to South Africa next year,
while the two third-placed teams of each group will go to the playoffs.
brk@yna.co.kr
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