Hiddink, Arena Look Set for Crucial Match

"It`s normal to get nervous before a big match. This gives me and my players lots of energy. It is going to be a spectacular game." - Korea Coach Guus Hiddink

"It will not be easy, but we are ready to win the battle." - U.S. Coach Bruce Arena

Korea`s Ducth-born coach met with the press briefly during a drilling secession held in Daegu World Cup stadium on June 9 and said, "We have prepared it for the last four months, and I believe we will have a good fight." Arena, head coach of the U.S. team, also held a press interview before leaving for Daegu where he said "We are going to win though it will be a battle before Korea`s home crowds."

* Interview with Hiddink

We do not feel pressure but the atmosphere is tense, which is helpful. Having that kind of tense feelings always works well for the team. The team has improved remarkably for the last four month, and particularly performed well in recent matches.

We always play as trained. The same goes to the match with the U.S. I assume the U.S. team has changed a lot in terms of both formation and tactics. I have seen them switching back and forth between one-top and two-top systems, but we are prepared for that. This will be a spectacular game. Hope Korean fans enjoy game."

* Interview with Arena

I could see Korea have made a significant progress in power and teamwork. They also have talented players well positioned. Korea in the past was nothing but a `shadow` compared with what I see now.

They have been doing incredibly well and will play before home fans. The hot weather seems to be on Korean`s side as well. We will, then, have to fight hard. Yet, we have been preparing this match concentrating on a power program for about a month. We are fully ready and confident. We will do our best to get the three winning scores.

gold@donga.com