Until recently European based players formed the nucleus of the Korea Republic team, but new coach Choi Kang-Hee is weighing up his preferred blend of local and overseas talent ahead of next month’s Brazil 2014 qualifiers.

The pitting of Korea Republic and Iran, two well-established Asian rivals, in Group A is sure to make for an intriguing spectacle, while Uzbekistan are lurking as the section's likely dark horses.

Qatar snatched a draw in Iran and a place in the final phase of Asian Zone qualifying at the expense of Bahrain, while Oman went through thanks to Saudi Arabia’s collapse in Australia and Korea Republic and Lebanon completed the last ten.

Korea Republic have seen off Kuwait with two second-half goals to book their place in the final group round of Asian Zone qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

The concluding Round Three Brazil 2014 matchday in Asia sees eight nations hunting four qualification berths with continental elite Korea Republic still not safe as outsiders such as Lebanon, Thailand and Oman seek breakthrough success.