(LEAD) (Asian Cup) New star for S. Korea puts team ahead of personal goals

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SYDNEY, Jan. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has made an impressive run to the championship final at the AFC Asian Cup this month, with little-known forward Lee Jeong-hyeop having emerged as an unlikely source of offense.

Lee, who'd never before played for South Korea internationally, is tied for the team lead with two goals at the tournament. He has started each of the past three matches as the team's featured striker.

On Wednesday, Lee said it doesn't matter if he gets to play as long as South Korea beats Australia and captures the title.

"We've made the final but I don't know if I will take the field," Lee told reporters before practice at Kogarah Oval in Sydney. "Nothing is set in stone but once I get on the pitch, I will do the best I can. I have absolutely no personal ambitions, as long as we win the championship."

South Korea is trying to end a 55-year drought at the Asian Cup, and will be making its first appearance in the final since 1988.

Whether he starts in the final or not, Lee will likely be a key part of coach Uli Stieliek's offense. In the semifinals against Iraq, Lee scored a goal and set up another as South Korea prevailed 2-0.

"More people are noticing me now because I've been lucky enough to score goals," Lee said. "I am just going to keep trying to do my job."

South Korea has already beaten Australia 1-0 in the group stage, though some key Australian players, such as Tim Cahill, started the match on the bench. Lee predicted that South Korea will face a vastly different Australian squad this time.

"I am sure they will come prepared because they lost to us in the group stage," Lee added. "We'll have to analyze them more closely and get ready."

Team captain Ki Sung-yueng sounded decidedly more confident than Lee, saying the only advantage Australia has is playing at home.

Ki noted that it's remarkable for South Korea to even be in the final, after losing two key midfielders, Lee Chung-yong and Koo Ja-cheol, to injuries during the group stage.

"I think the final will come down to mental strength, rather than physical strength," he added. "This is a great opportunity for South Korean football. I think we understand the magnitude of the match without anyone telling us."

jeeho@yna.co.kr
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