Mercury rises before battle at Ulsan
A war of words between the coaches of Iran and South Korea has spiced things up between the Group A rivals as they bid to secure automatic qualifying spots for the 2014 World Cup.
The top two sides in the group clash in Ulsan on Tuesday, when a draw will ensure both side's progress to the summer World Cup in Brazil next year.
South Korea, on 14 points, could still take one of Group A's two automatic berths even if they lose to Iran but coach Choi Kang-hee has ensured Tuesday's clash will not lack intensity.
Choi said he wanted revenge for October's 1-0 defeat in Tehran where his team were "badly treated".
"The manners they showed were not good ... they were not hospitable. Aside from who makes it to the World Cup, I would like to beat Iran no matter what," Choi told reporters after his side's 1-0 win against Uzbekistan last week.
"Honestly, I dislike Iran more (than Uzbekistan). I hope Uzbekistan make it to the World Cup."
Iran, who beat Lebanon 4-0 on Tuesday, have 13 points while Uzbekistan have 11 and need a win against Qatar to leapfrog Iran.
Choi's comments did not go down well with Iranian coach Queiroz, who wanted an apology from the South Korean coach.
"Choi should apologise to the Iranian people," the Portuguese told reporters upon arrival in Seoul.
"He said the Korean team was badly treated in Iran but we gave the best treatment available. He humiliated the Iranian citizens."
The war of words escalated after the former Real Madrid coach accused the Koreans of not pushing harder for a bigger victory against the Uzbeks.
"I will buy an Uzbek uniform and give it to Choi as a present," the Iran boss quipped.
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