Hwang In-beom feels the pressure on South Korea ahead of their AFC Asian Cup semi-final clash with Jordan will only serve as extra motivation for the team. Having beaten Saudi Arabia and Australia to reach the last four and with 44 places separating Korea and Jordan in the FIFA World Ranking, expectations have heightened that a first Asian Cup title since 1960 awaits the Taegeuk Warriors .
“History is there to be changed,” said the midfielder. “If you say Korea can’t win this tournament because we conceded eight goals, we will prove you wrong. Yes, we conceded a lot of goals but don’t forget that we also scored a lot. Pressure is always on, not just for this tournament. For a professional footballer, we have to live with pressure. But it’s a privilege to live with pressure, something only pro athletes go through.
“We have to trust the players, the staff and the coach. We have to trust the fans. We have to believe that we can do it. We want to enjoy the pressure and move closer to our goal.”
Hwang has been an ever-present figure in Jurgen Klinsmann’s selection, starting in every single match and with one goal and one assist so far. However, the 27-year-old – who plays his club football in Serbia with FK Crvena Zvezda – was culpable for the mistake that led to Australia taking their lead in their quarter-final on Friday at the Al Janoub Stadium.
“What I feel the most thankful for is that I don’t play individual sports. Anyone can make mistakes and I’m thankful to have my teammates. Without them I won’t be here today and not be able to go through the tournament. Sometimes when you make a mistake, you don’t see it because of your teammates and their support. Tomorrow, some of the boys might make mistakes or an off day, then it’s my turn to help my teammates. Hopefully, this drama that we’re writing at the moment, we can have a happy ending.”
Saadeh ready to help
Jordan create more history
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Saadeh believes it will be a confident Jordan team that will take to the pitch against South Korea Republic today.
Having reached a historic first semi-final at the continental showpiece, the 23-year-old is adamant that Jordan’s amazing journey will not end despite the huge task of facing a South Korea side determined to end a long wait for a third Asian Cup title.
“We are extremely happy to be in the semi-finals,” said Saadeh. “It is such a pride for us to have come this far. It does put some pressure on us but we’re well-trained and prepared to reach the final. Maybe many did not expect our team to reach this far but we believed that we can go far in this competition. Of course it puts pressure on us but we’re ready to rewrite history.”
Playing his club football with Al Khor in the Qatar Stars League, Saadeh is in familiar surroundings and ready to play his role - whether in the starting XI or from off the bench.
One of his three appearances as a substitute came against the Koreans in their Group E match, and the midfielder is ready to accept the challenge should head coach Hussein Ammouta call upon him.
Hwang In-beom
