TEHRANTIMES - Iran football coach Carlos Queiroz says South Korea coach Choi Kang-hee must apologize to Iranian fans for disrespecting the country.

Choi has said he wants to crush Iran's hopes of automatic World Cup qualification next week because he was 'badly treated' in Tehran last year.

"I remember being badly treated in Iran. Honestly, I dislike Iran more (than Uzbekistan). I hope Uzbekistan make it to the World Cup," Choi told reporters in Seoul on Tuesday.

In a news conference held in Tehran’s Azadi Hotel on Wednesday, Queiroz said, “South Korea coach should be ashamed of what he said. He disrespected the Iranian football. He must apologize to all Iranian fans before the match against us on next Tuesday.”

“I am sure the South Korean football players and the country’s federation don not really agree with him. I am sure the South Korean football players will never forgive him,” the Portuguese added.

“South Korea coach has said he remembers they are being badly treated in Iran but I remember we were hospitable. I want to give him an Uzbekistan jersey before the match against them in Ulsan,” Queiroz said.

On Tuesday, S. Korea edged Uzbekistan in Seoul to move at the top of the Group A with 14 points, one point clear of Iran who humiliated Lebanon 4-0 in Tehran. Uzbekistan is in third place with 11 points.

The top two teams in Group A and Group B of Asia qualify for the World Cup directly, while the third-place teams go to a playoff, with the winner facing off against the fifth-place team of South America for a berth in the World Cup.