AFP - Three-time champions Japan have long expected to face South Korea at the Asian Cup and are ready for a tough semi-final with their old cross-strait rivals.
South Korea edged Iran 1-0 on Saturday with a 105th-minute winner from substitute Yoon Bit-Garam to book a last-four clash with the Blue Samurai, who struggled past hosts Qatar 3-2 in their quarter-final.
"We had hoped to play South Korea in the final. We have seen them as opponents we must fight at one stage," Japan captain and Wolfsburg midfielder Makoto Hasebe said Sunday.
"I think South Korea played better than Iran. I could feel the mental strength of their players. We want to prepare ourselves so we won't be outdone mentally."
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said: "It's going to be a difficult match but it's going to be a difficult match for the opponents as well."
Japan battled to a scoreless friendly draw with South Korea away in October in Zaccheroni's second match as Japan coach, after the two East Asian giants reached the World Cup last-16 in June.
"South Korea are a team with potential. They have quality players and their positioning on the pitch is great," added the former AC Milan boss, who took over from Takeshi Okada after the World Cup.
The Taeguk Warriors beat Japan twice earlier in 2010.
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