TEHRAN (Tasnim) - South Korean football captain Ki Sung-yueng said that they are determined to defeat Iran in the upcoming World Cup qualifier.

South Korea will face Iran at Azadi Stadium in Tehran on Tuesday for their fourth match in the final Asian qualifying round for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Both Iran and South Korea have seven points with two wins and a draw in Group A, where they are paired with Uzbekistan, Syria, China and Qatar. Iran, however, are the leader of the group with superior goal difference to South Korea.

South Korea have never won at Azadi Stadium in six trips, with only two draws and four losses. The Taeguk Warriors suffered a 1-0 loss in their last match there in November 2014.

"I think it's about time to win (in Tehran)," Ki told Yonhap at Incheon International Airport before flying to Iran. "If you look at our players' talent, I'm sure that we'll have a good game."

The Swansea City midfielder admitted that the time difference, intimidating fan atmosphere and high altitude of Azadi Stadium serve as disadvantages for South Korea. However, he said that the players are prepared both mentally and physically.

"We'll play like this is our final match," he said. "We know that a victory in Tehran will put us in a great position in this qualifying stage."

South Korea lost to Iran 1-0 in each of the last three meetings after conceding a goal in the second half. Ki said the players have learned from the past and they are ready to avoid the same mistakes.

"In previous matches, we had no regret about our performance on the pitch, but the result matters," he said. "Most of the time, we gave up a goal late in the second half and lost, but now, the players have enough experience."

The former Celtic and Sunderland player will miss World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan next month if he is booked again in Tehran.

"Iranian players will play a more physical game than Qatari players," he said. "But if we only think about getting booked, we won't be able to show our true potential," Ki concluded.

By Tasnim News Agency