The match also offers a chance to the winner to qualify for the finals of 2015 Asian Cup as the winner of the tournament gets a direct entry into the mega football tournament of the Asian region.[break]
Turkmenistan was defeated 5-4 in sudden death in the final of the last edition following a 1-1 draw in the regulation time and a goalless addition time. Turkmenistan seemed well on its way to victory with Korea being limited to 10-man before the interval and Turkmenistan opening its score soon after that. But the hard working Koreans got the equalizer during the later stage of the match taking the match to extra time and finally winning the match in penalty shootout.
Looking at the results of group stage and semifinal this year, Korea seems to be a stronger team. Korea became the only team to maintain clean-sheets during the group stage. Korea has not conceded a single goal so far and scored ten goals in the three matches of group stage and in the semifinal.
Turkmenistan played a draw and registered two victories to finish at the top of the table in group stage. It conceded just one goal and scored six in the process. In the semifinal, Turkmenistan came from behind to earn victory over the Philippines.
"We are fully prepared for the final and we will go for win," said Yazguly Hojageldiyev, coach of Turkmenistan, during a pre-match conference on Sunday.
Referring to the last edition´s result, Hojageldiyev said, "We will work hard until the last moment to achieve victory, be it regulation time or extra time or penalty shootout."
"There are some changes in the playing style of Korea team compared to the last edition, but we are ready for that," he added.
Good coordination among players is the main strength of Turkenistan. Besides that the Korean team must be cautious of the fast pace of Turkmenistan forward Armanov Arslanmyrat and midfielder Gahryman Chonkayev.
Turkmenistan, on the other hand, must be wary about Korea´s status as the tournament favorite. The Korean team is studded with nearly half a dozen players who have featured in the final of 2010 World Cup.
Korea after failing to qualify for the 2014 Brazil World Cup has set its eyes on the Asian Cup and is taking this tournament as a ladder to the mega event.
"We know that Turkmenistan are strong team and have a good team spirit. We have watched them play. We have set our plans accordingly," said little speaking Korean coach Yun Jong Su who has played junior to senior level of football for national side before retiring as a player.
Fast pace and dangerous attack have been the main features of Korean team in the tournament. Korea has strikers like Pak Kwang Ryong who plays for FC Basel of Switzerland who scored both the goals in Korea´s 2-0 semifinal win over Palestine. Turkmenistan must also be wary of another forward Pak Nam Chol who has scored highest four goals in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Philippines will lock horn with Palestine in the third play off match to be held before the final.
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