South Korea coach Verbeek puts job on line

SEOUL, June 7 (Reuters) South Korea's soccer coach Pim Verbeek has put his job on the line ahead of July's Asian Cup.

After securing a 3-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the second qualifying round for the 2008 Beijing Olympics yesterday, Verbeek told reporters his expectation for the games in July.

''I am sure we can win (the Asian Cup)... I think we should at least make it into the semi-finals and if not, I will take a look at myself,'' Verbeek was quoted as saying in sports daily Sports Chosun.

''If I find many mistakes in my decisions, I will tell the Korean Football Association to look for another leader,'' he added.

Several of South Korea's key players are unlikely to participate in the event.

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung, Tottenham Hotspur defender Lee Young-pyo and Reading forward Seol Ki-hyun are undergoing rehabilitation for recent surgeries.

South Korea are in Group D with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for the July 7-29 competition with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam co-hosting the event.

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