No: We believe we can reach final +

No: We believe we can reach final
(FIFA.com) Saturday 12 December 2009
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Having gone a goal down against African champions TP Mazembe in their quarter-final at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009, Asian kings Pohang Steelers showed their mettle to turn the scoreline on its head and clinch a 2-1 success.

What is more, the margin of victory could have been even greater had the side from Korea Republic shown cooler heads in front of goal, with Kim Jae-Sung, No Byung-Jun, Hwang Jin-Sung and Brazilian Denilson all spurning chances in both halves. However, it was the latter who finally came up with the goods when firing the second-half brace which booked a semi-final meeting with Argentinian heavyweights Estudiantes.

“My team had a lot of problems in the first half especially with the rain," No told FIFA.com. "It doesn’t normally rain a lot in the Middle East and it made the conditions difficult for us.

“We wasted several chances in the game and we must be more composed. Instead we were rushing our efforts and opportunities we really should have put away went begging,” added the 30 year old, whose far-post centre was met by the head of Denilson for their team's 50th-minute leveller.

“We have an excellent relationship and Denilson knows how to work with me on the field. He’s a formidable player. We combine well together which helps him score a lot of goals, which is what counts. He’s a very friendly guy and always gives his best for the team.
Estudiantes are a very strong team. But we have already beaten a number of similarly strong teams, and we have the belief that we can win.
No Byung-Jun of Pohang Steelers

“We have to play with composure, we can’t be afraid or start thinking about who we are playing against," said No ahead of Steelers semi-final against one of the tournament favourites. "Our coach Sergio Farias demands that we play without fear and keep calm, as this is the key to success.

"Estudiantes are a very strong team. But we have already beaten a number of similarly strong teams in the Asian Champions League, and we have the belief that we can win," said No, referring to Steelers' continental success, which was sealed by final victory over Saudi Arabian giants Al Ittihad.

And the livewire forward, whose four goals and sparkling displays in that Asian triumph saw him voted the player of the tournament, had this to say as the interview drew to a close: "Winning the award for best player was a brilliant achievement, while playing in the Club World Cup is also a huge honour."

"Just to see my name on the team-sheet in a tournament like this is amazing. It gives me a huge boost and will make me raise my game even further, so I can give everything I can to help the team to success.”