2022 World Cup: South Korea must fight very well – Paulo Bento on facing Ghana and two others in Group H

South Korea gaffer Paulo Bento wants his side to fight very well in order to secure qualification to the round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Qatar.

The biggest soccer mundial will be staged in the Asian country between November and December where 32 countries will battle it out for the covetous trophy.

The Asian giants were paired against Portugal, Uruguay and Ghana in a draw held in Doha, Qatar last week.

The former Portugal coach believes his native country and Uruguay stand a chance of progressing from the group but noted South Korea must fight very well to qualify.

“You have to fight very well with a fighting spirit to get to the round of 16.”

“Portugal and Uruguay are the teams that have a high chance of advancing to the round of 16 in Group H,” he said, emphasizing that players should enter the finals with a ‘fighting spirit’.

Reacting to playing against Portugal, he said, “I didn’t want to be in the same group as Portugal. Korean fans will understand my feelings. It’s true that it’s a special mental experience for me. “It’s a different feeling. But I will prepare for Portugal as if I was always preparing for a match against another strong team. I will prepare myself to approach Portugal as a ‘pro’ myself.”

“Of course, I have special feelings because I am playing against my country. But when the match starts, I will play it like any other match. As always, I will choose the best strategy to fight.”

Since taking office in August 2018, Bento has played 43 games and has maintained a record of 28 wins (10 draws, 5 losses) and an unbeaten streak at home (20 wins), the most in a single tenure as the national team’s head coach. As he has continued his stable race for the past four years, expectations for the round of 16 are also high.