Three-time champion Iran is likely to defeat South Korea in a head-on clash on Sunday.
South Korea coach Pim Verbeek himself admitted Iran is a strong team and tournament favorite.
"Most people have told me Iran is the strongest team and is the favorite. I think that is right," Verbeek said.
But he noted Iran is not guaranteed to win. "Iran is a very experienced team, has all their foreign-based players......but it doesn't mean they are the stronger team. I think we will win," he said.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed confidence over the clash, but also noted the match ahead is a hard one.
"We know South Korea very well. But each match is different and this time, the circumstances are different," he said.
Ghalenoei said he had focused on combating South Korea's quick transition from defense to attack.
Iran scored six goals in the three Group C matches to finish unbeaten with seven points.
South Korea narrowly qualified after overcoming Indonesia in the last match as well as relying on Saudi Arabia's win over Bahrain.
Sunday's match will be the fourth consecutive time for the two sides to meet in Asian Cup quarterfinals.
Iran smashed South Korea 6-2 in 1996, South Korea won 2-1 in golden goal in 2000 and Iran prevailed in 2004 with a 4-3 win over South Korea.
Source: Xinhua
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