Korea Republic begin training in UAE

Abu Dhabi: Korea Republic have set up base in Abu Dhabi as they look to end their long wait for glory in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

Korea Republic, led by head coach Paulo Bento, had their first training at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The two-time AFC Asian Cup champions arrived in Abu Dhabi with 17 players, including two reserve members, early on Sunday after flying more than 10 hours from home.

Seven players - Ki Sung-yueng, Koo Ja-cheol, Ji Dong-won, Hwang hee-chan, Lee Jae-sung, Lee Chung-yong and Jung Seung-hyun - are scheduled to join the squad over the next two days.

Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min - who scored a brace in his team's 6-2 win over Everton in the Premier League on Sunday - is the only Korea Republic player who will join the squad after the tournament kickoff, following an agreement between his club and the Korea Football Association.

The 26-year-old forward will join Korea Republic in the UAE after playing in Tottenham's clash against Manchester United on January 13.

⚡TEAM BENTO⚡2019 AFC 아시안컵에 나설?? 축구 국가대표팀 최종명단 23인을 공개합니다!✔친선경기??v?? #사우디 1.1(화) 새벽 1시✔아시안컵 조별리그??v??#필리핀 1.7(월) 22:30??v??#키르기스스탄 1.12(토) 새벽1시??v??#중국 1.16(수) 22:30#축구대표팀 #아시안컵 #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/zEXngnAVZ6— 대한축구협회(KFA) (@theKFA) December 20, 2018

Bento announced his 23-man roster for the AFC Asian Cup last week. Korea Republic are scheduled to play a friendly against Saudi Arabia on December 31.

The Taegeuk Warriors, who last won the AFC Asian Cup in 1960, are in Group C for UAE 2019 with China PR, the Philippines and Kyrgyz Republic.

Bento's side will start their campaign against the Philippines at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai on January 7, and will face Kyrgyz Republic four days later at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.

Korea Republic will meet China PR at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on January 16 to close their group stage action.

Source: Yonhap News


Source: the-afc.com