Jürgen Klinsmann is expecting the next thriller in the Asian Cup semi-final against Jordan (Tuesday, 4 p.m. CEST): “There will be a lot of emotions again, I expect another thrilling game.”
The South Korea national coach laughed, exuded confidence in typical style and left no doubt about his belief in the great triumph at the tournament in Qatar. “We’ve come so far now. We want to keep going. We’re hungry, we’re fit”said the 59-year-old on Monday in the sunny capital Doha, where the venues for the 2022 World Cup will be used.
Klinsmann was already responsible for a summer fairy tale as coach at the 2006 World Cup. With South Korea he now wants to write a very special history in the emirate. Almost unobserved by the German public, the Swabian, who previously also worked for FIFA, reached the semi-finals of the Asian Cup with the team led by Bayern star Min-jae Kim.
The beginning was difficult
South Korea has been waiting for a triumph at the continental championship for more than half a century. It could happen on Saturday. It seemed as if Klinsmann’s third stint as national coach could result in a major misunderstanding.
The former German national striker and national coach didn’t win a single one of his first five games as coach of the “Taegeuk Warriors”, as the team is called at home. When he asked Wales captain Aaron Ramsey for his shirt after a 0-0 draw in Wales last September, some fans took offense at him.
Again the media is disturbing his place of residence
South Korean media also criticized the fact that Klinsmann spends more time abroad than in South Korea – a problem that the quite idiosyncratic personality is familiar with from his time as national coach. Even back then, his life in the USA was met with incomprehension by some observers.
With the success of the German team, which won the hearts of the fans and came third, the criticism fell silent in 2006. Almost 18 years later, Klinsmann could also secure a place in the South Korean history books. South Korea’s last victory at the Asian Cup came in 1960.
The favorite in the semi-final against Jordan
“We still have two games left in which we can hopefully make our country proud. You can see it in the players’ eyes, they want to make their country and their friends proud. They want to bring this trophy home.”said Klinsmann. In the semi-final against Jordan, of all places, he has to do without his suspended defense chief Min-jae Kim.
Missing in the semi-finals, suspended: Min-jae Kim from FC Bayern
The winner will then face Iran or Qatar in the final at the large Lusail Stadium – venue for the 2022 World Cup final – who will contest the second semi-final (Wednesday, 4 p.m. CEST). Klinsmann is aware of the great opportunity to satisfy the fans’ longing for a title.
The Swabian is still full of energy
The motivational artist has lost none of his energy. During the dramatic 2-1 win in the quarter-finals against Australia after extra time, he cheered on his team almost continuously from the sidelines.
When the semi-finals were confirmed, he cheerfully rushed to his players around the winning goalscorer Heung-Min Son and hugged them like good friends, while the fans who had come with their own lead singer celebrated exuberantly in the stands at the Al-Janoub Stadium. “I enjoy every moment of this tournament”said Klinsmann and it was clear that he meant it. “It’s a fantastic experience.”
Decisive hits come very late
Klinsmann’s credo of never giving up and striving for the biggest goals has been passed on to his team. In four of five games in Qatar, South Korea scored in stoppage time – once benefiting from an own goal.
In the two knockout games, only goals after the 90th minute saved the team into extra time. The team has earned a reputation among its fans for being unbeatable. “Zombie team” – that’s what the supporters now call their national selection. “Any name is okay for me”Klinsmann commented with a smile.
Superstar and captain Son brush aside doubts that his team might be tired after playing 120 minutes twice in a row. “Fatigue, exhaustion, there can be no excuse”said the offensive man from Tottenham Hotspur. “We will continue to win the trophy and bring it home.”