“We know all about Korea Republic and I promise victory on Wednesday to all Iranians,” said Daei who once scored four goals in a 6-2 hammering of the Koreans at the 1996 Asian Cup.
Iran, second in the table, trail their rivals by two points after three matches but have never lost to the Koreans on home soil and Daei is confident they will keep that record intact at the Azadi Stadium despite anticipating a tough game against a strong side.
“Korea are strong and they’ll make it difficult. They’ve always been one of the powers of Asia but I believe in my young players and that we’ll win,” Daei continued.
The average age of Daei’s squad has been reduced by the surprise exclusion of veteran wing-back Mehdi Mahdavikia. Iran will also be without Gholamreza Rezaei, as the lively forward is suspended.
But striker Vahid Hashemian has made himself available despite the death of his mother last week.
“I’m in good physical and mental shape and I’m going to give everything to make sure I’m ready,” said the Bochum forward.
Neither side will go into the encounter in the best of form.
While Iran drew their last match 0-0 away to Thailand in a 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifier the Koreans, who are bidding for a seventh consecutive World Cup appearance, drew with both Syria (1-1) and Bahrain (2-2).
However, coach Huh Jung-moo did not have any of his foreign-based players at his disposal for those games and the likes of captain and Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung and Borussia Dortmund full-back Lee Young-Pyo will be welcome additions.
“The match against Iran will be the most challenging and most important game,” said Park, who undertook a 12-hour journey to reach Tehran after United’s 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday.
“We always need three points but no team can easily beat Iran in Iran.”
Despite their poor record in Iran, Korea ended a six-match winless streak in Saudi Arabia on November 19 giving Huh the belief they can pull off a similarly impressive result against Daei's side.
“We have high expectations of our European-based players but I will mainly be relying on our K-League boys,” said the 54-year-old.
“I’ve analysed all of Iran’s recent matches and know all about them and their weaknesses.”
Huh also took a swipe at the facilities in Tehran.
“The training pitch we’ve been given is of poor quality and could injure any of our players at any time,” he added.