Asian Cup 2015: South Korea coach Uli Stielike wary of Kuwait despite Socceroos loss

KOREA Republic coach Uli Stielike says he saw the Socceroos “suffer” against Kuwait and won’t be taking the Middle Eastern nation lightly on Tuesday.

Mesaed Alenzi of Kuwait celebrates after his team scores a goal during the first round Asian Cup football match between Australia and Kuwait in Melbourne on January 9, 2015. AFP PHOTO / MAL FAIRCLOUGH IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

KOREA Republic coach Uli Stielike says he saw the Socceroos “suffer” in their 4-1 Group A win over Kuwait last Friday.

With Korea Republic destined to meet the Socceroos in the final group match at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, Stielike believes underestimating Kuwait, who caused all sorts of problems at AAMI Park despite succumbing to a heavy defeat, is flirting with danger.

Stielike’s side will be guaranteed qualification to the knockout stage of the Asian Cup if they can beat Kuwait at Canberra Stadium on Tuesday after claiming an opening round 1-0 win over Oman on Saturday.

South Korea coach Uli Stielike is wary of the threat Kuwait possesses.

“It was 3-1 for Australia and in the 72nd minute Kuwait hit the post,’’ Stielike said.

“This is what I tell my players, I will not tell them about a 4-1 score. I will tell them about the danger about being very easy.

“I saw Australia working very hard and until the fourth goal was coming they suffered a lot in this time.”

Stielike is expecting Kuwait to park the bus, which could favour the Socceroos chances of qualifying for the last eight if the Gulf nation can steal points before Australia plays Oman in Sydney shortly afterwards.

“We cannot go out with the mindset Kuwait lost 4-1. It will be a tough game,’’ Stielike said.

“If Kuwait is playing with the same mentality, nine guys behind the ball to close spaces, so we have to move (the ball) a lot if we want to break this down.”

Mesaed Alenzi sent a scare through the Socceroos camp on Friday night.

But Stielike may not have his favoured starting XI for the clash, with three key players doubtful.

Kim Chang-soo (adductor), Lee Chung-yong (shin) and Lee Jeongh-yeop (hamstring) have been restricted to light duties since the Oman clash.

Stielike said Chung-yong should be fit to start but he would make a decision on the availability of Chang-soo and Jeongh-yeop just before kick off.

“Normally in our team the players always know one day before the game the starting line up,’’ he said.

“In this case it’s not like this but not because at the moment I don’t know which players are ready for tomorrow’s game.”

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: South Korea coach Uli Stielike wary of Kuwait despite Socceroos loss