AFC - Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi admitted his side's lack of killer instinct cost them dearly following the 1-1 draw with Korea Republic at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Needing victory over the Group B winners to clinch at least third place and a play-off berth, Iran fortuitously took the lead after 50 minutes when Mohammad Nosrati's cross was punched against Moasoud Shojaei by keeper Lee Won-jae and ricocheted into the empty net.
Shojaei could then have doubled their lead just after the hour mark before Korea began to turn the screw and Park Ji-sung struck a crucial equaliser with nine minutes to go.
“We came here to get the three points. We played too conservatively after the first goal. In particular, the defensive line played too deep and Korea took advantage of it,” Ghotbi said.
“We did have a chance to make 2-0 but could not take it. In the end, South Korea scored instead.
“I needed a player who can cover the space more, that was why I replaced Ali Karimi in the second-half. I also had to use a 4-5-1 formation rather than 4-3-3 in the second-half.”
The former South Korea assistant coach also had words of advice for his old team ahead of their trip to South Africa next summer.
“Central midfielders and central defenders need to gain more international experience. Both Iran and Korea needed too many chances to score only one goal. If they can improve this, it will be better,” he added.
Korea coach Huh Jung-moo, however, stressed that his side need to be able to beat the European teams if they are to enjoy a successful World Cup next summer.
“I cannot reveal the exact plan yet but it is obvious that we will be in trouble if we don’t overcome European countries,” he said.
“We need more technique, stamina and fighting spirit to defeat European teams. I will discuss the future plan with Korean football association as well as the K-League association.
“As the World Cup will be played in South Africa, I think it would be better to train the team there. I am not sure about the schedule yet but I will make a decision after having discussions with K-League teams.
Park reportedly announced he would retire from international football after the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar but Huh believes his talismanic midfielder can play on until the 2014 World Cup.
“I saw what Park Ji-sung said in the paper,” he added.
“As a player you can say that but with Park’s attitude and stamina, I believe he could still play in Brazil.”