KOREA REPUBLIC V UZBEKISTAN PREVIEW

Seoul: Korea Republic are looking to bounce back after dropping points against Iran in their last Russia 2018 Asian Qualifying Third Round match but are facing an Uzbekistan side full of confidence after their 2-0 win over China on Matchday Four.

Potential Line-ups

• Korea Republic coach Uli Stielike underlines importance of second versus third tie and hope to build on recent friendly win over Canada.
• Confident Samvel Babayan is looking for a positive result for his Uzbekistan side as they look to continue their momentum.
• Forward Hwang Hee-chan is a doubt after an injury in training, while there will be a late fitness test on Lee Chung-yong.
• Alexander Geynrikh and Anzur Ismailov return from suspension for Uzbekistan, although Server Djeparov and Azizbek Haydarov are injury doubts.
• In their last 10 meetings, Korea Republic have won seven and drawn three with Uzbekistan yet to defeat the East Asians.

Match Details
Date: 15 November 2016 (Tuesday)
Kickoff time: 8:00pm KST, 11:00am GMT
Venue: Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul
Referee: Fahad Al Mirdasi (Saudi Arabia)

Coach Quotes

Uli Stielike, Korea Republic
“It goes without saying that this is an important game. It is a meeting of second and third in the group and our target is to win and move into second.

“We have watched all four Uzbekistan games so far and their friendly over Jordan. They have conceded just once, and that was a free-kick against Iran and they are strong defensively.

“But if we can play as well as we did against Canada (a 2-0 victory last Friday), it will be good and we can take confidence from that. We looked good in attack, defence and in terms of teamwork. We have to maintain the same build-up play and be strong in defence.” 

Samvel Babayan, Uzbekistan
“We have prepared well for the game and have come to Korea Republic to try our best to get a good result. At the least, this is a game that we don't want to lose and we want to keep picking up points as we look to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

“We know Korea Republic well. We have met many times over the years and they are one of Asia's strongest teams. They have a lot of talented players and it is important that we stop their most dangerous players from causing problems.

“So far, we have been playing quite well in the qualification. We have a good mix of experience and youth in the squad and we have been getting some good results and confidence is growing, and the players are feeling good.”

Head to Head Record
27/03/15 Korea Republic 1-1 Uzbekistan
22/01/15 Korea Republic 2-0 Uzbekistan
11/06/13 Korea Republic 1-0 Uzbekistan
11/09/12 Uzbekistan 2-2 Korea Republic
25/02/12 Korea Republic 4-2 Uzbekistan

Form
Korea Republic: WWDWL
Uzbekistan: WWWLW