Asian Cup 2019: 3 reasons why South Korea could win the tournament

South Korea will head into the Asian Cup being one of the major contenders for the title. The two-time champions have some talented players this time who can lead their country all the way to glory.

South Korea has participated twelve times in the Asian Cup, but they have won the trophy only twice: in the inaugural edition in 1956 when there were only four teams and the following edition in 1960. They have ended as runners-up on four occasions, including the last edition.

Now, under an experienced coach Paulo Bento, South Korea will be hoping to defy all odds to secure the title. They will open their campaign against the Philippines on January 7.

Let us look at the three reasons why the Korean would lift the title:

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#3 An experienced coach

Australian Socceroos Training Session

When South Korea crashed out of the World Cup despite creating an upset by beating Germany in their final group match, many thought the country’s football has fallen to a new low.

Of course, with some talented youngsters, the team were hoping for at least the pre-quarterfinals. But their loss against Sweden and Mexico meant that they won’t qualify even if they beat Germany.

South Korea desperately needed someone who could change the climate and bring a fresh air their football. Soon after the World Cup, the appointed Paulo Bento, who was sacked from Chinese Super League club Chongqing Lifan. The move was questioned. How a coach, who couldn’t even manage a club, could save a country?

Paulo Bento has answered it all. He had managed the likes of Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo in his managerial career. Within two months after his appointment, he earned the trust of the supporters. People started filling up the stadiums again. Korea’s win against Costa Rica and a spirited draw against Chile regained the trust.

His life means nothing other than football. He has changed so many things. Video Analysis is one of them. After each game, Bento and his coaching staff get themselves busy in analysing the game and the next they point out the mistakes committed by the players.

Apart from that, Bento showed a presentation to the team and asked them to follow the five keywords for success. He also told the players not to keep the mobile phones with them during the meal and talk to each other. This created more bonding within the team, which has been reflected on the field.

In a recent interview, Bento sounded optimistic in ending Korea’s Asian Cup drought.

"I can understand that we can have positive expectations for the Asian Cup because we performed well in the last six matches. I’m confident that we'll play well, but I also know we're not the only team chasing the title. Other teams will be ready, too. I don't think we're the top favourites,”

#2 Recent form and talented players

During the Russia World Cup, Lee showed that he can go toe to toe with the world’s best

South Korea may have crashed out earlier than expected from the World Cup, but there were some signs of improvement. They defeated defending champions Germany in their last group match, which was no mean achievement. They performed well before losing to Sweden and Mexico.

All was not lost. The introduction of Paulo Bento changed the complexion again. Bento likes to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He prefers fast offensive football with a backline build-up. His strategy worked against Costa Rica, but the team couldn’t find the back of the net against Chile.

However, results in the last four months silenced all his critics. Korea beat Uruguay, drew with Panama and a higher-ranked Australia before putting four goals past Uzbekistan.

South Korea claimed the Asian Games Gold Medal a few months ago. After losing badly in their group match against Malaysia, the Korean’s learnt from their mistakes and did not look back from there. They beat Bangladesh, Vietnam, Uzbekistan before defeating Japan in the final.

With the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan and China in their group, South Korea should easily go through in the next rounds. South Korea has some talented players apart from Tottenham star Son Heung-Min. Emerging goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo, winger Lee Syung-woo and forward Hwang He-chan will likely be crucial players.

Also, there is Lee Jae-Sung. During the Russia World Cup, Lee showed that he can match with the world’s best. The Korean midfielder plays for German second division club Holstein Kiel. As Son will be missing the first two games for his country, Lee will have to shoulder the creative burden for his country.

There is Hwang In-beom who plays for Daejeon Citizen in K-League 2. He has been named in the best XI of the league for the past three seasons. He plays as a midfielder who can link up play between the attack and the defence.

With collective forces, Korea can pull off the odds.

#1 Son’s impeccable form for his club

Son Heung-Min, Korea’s greatest talent ever

There is one man to whom the whole country will look forward to. He is none other than Son Heung-Min, Korea’s greatest talent ever. Son had shown his mettle in all the three matches of the World Cup. But for his club Tottenham Hotspur, he has found a new rhythm.

In the last six matches for his club, he has scored six goals and provided three assists. Overall, he has played 116 games for Spurs, scoring 35 times and assisting another 16. He is widely regarded as the best Asian footballer to play for the club.

Son helped his country in securing the Asian Games gold medal, thereby assuring an exemption from compulsory military service. He will have to show the same vein of form if they have to win the toughest competition of the continent.

Sadly, Son will miss the opening two matches of Asian Cup, as the club won’t release him before that. The club has a contract with South Korean football federation, where they said they are allowing Son to play Asian Games on the condition that he will have to sit out in the opening two games at the Asian Cup.

Tottenham are going to face Chelsea and Manchester United next month and Son will be a crucial player if Spurs have any intentions of challenging for the title.