Ange excited by Korea challenge

Socceroos Coach Ange Postecoglou is buoyed by the challenge of facing Korea Republic when the two nations meet at the AFC Asian Cup 2015.

Socceroos Coach Ange Postecoglou is buoyed by the challenge of facing a Korea Republic side packed with classy players from Europe-s big leagues when the two nations meet at the AFC Asian Cup 2015.

The Socceroos drew Kuwait, Oman and the Korea Republic in Wednesday night-s draw at the Sydney Opera House.

The host nation Australia will face the Taeguk Warriors in their third and final group game at what should be a sold-out Suncorp stadium next January 17.

It-s a venue Postecoglou knows well after his successful time with Brisbane Roar in the A-League and he-s relishing a return with the Socceroos next January.

“It-ll be the game with the most hype around it but we-re certainly not discounting the first two games," Postecoglou said.

“Korea, Suncorp stadium, 50,000 fans, I like those types of conditions."

Hong Myung-bo-s Korea Republic features talent such as Son Heung-min from Robbie Kruse-s club side Bayer Leverkusen.

The Korean is one of the rising stars of the Bundesliga at just 21 years of age. Likewise Ki Sung-yeung and Kim Bo-kyung are making names for themselves in the English Premier League.

“Do you want to avoid them the whole tournament?” he said when asked about Korea Republic.

“It-s a challenging group and a tough three games for us but if we get through this group we-ll know we-ll be ready for knockout football.”

Postecoglou added Australia could still win the tournament from second in the group but his goal was to finish first in Group A.

Football dignitaries including A-League marquee superstar Alessandro Del Piero, watched on at the Opera House-s Concert Hall as the draw took place.

The Socceroos have been draw with Oman and Kuwait in Group A of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 along with Korea Republic.

The Socceroos will face Kuwait in the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 on 9 January in Melbourne, followed by Oman on 13 January in Sydney with their final group match against Korea Republic on 17 January in Brisbane.