Nekounam said the Koreans and their Manchester United star Park Ji-sung have never experienced Azadi Stadium with 100,000 screaming Iran fans, saying “it will be hell for them”.
But the fans, who posted their comments on top Korean-language portal NAVER, believe Nekounam has spoken too soon ahead of the Group B clash on Wednesday.
One supporter ranted: “Hey Nekounam. Park has played in UEFA Champions League semi-final against Barca and AC Milan. Now he is a regular member of the best club in the world! How about you?”
Korea have never won in Tehran in three matches there. They lead Group B with seven points from three matches, two points ahead of Iran.
The top two countries in the five-team group gain automatic qualification to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
In November last year, Korea beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 at the King Fahd International Stadium, a result that Korean fans say prove that their team can play in front of hostile crowds.
“We already beat Saudi in King Fahd Stadium,” another irate forum contributor wrote. “I don't not think playing at Azadi is harder than King Fahd ... at least we are not going to lose against Iran.”
One fan pointed out that it is not only Park who has experience playing at big stadiums but also midfielder Lee Young-pyo, of German side Borrusia Dortmund.
“He plays in front of 80,000 fans each week in Germany. How about him? Can you say he is not experienced?” wrote another supporter.
Iran need to beat Korea to displace them at the top of the group, which also features DPR Korea, Saudi and United Arab Emirates.