Bangkok: Iran coachMostafaGhanbar Pour has talked upDPR Korea’s strengths ahead of their AFC U-16 Championship quarter-final encounter atMuangthong Stadium on Sunday.

Ghanbar Pour saw the former champions Iran top Group D thanks to opening wins against Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Iran did lose 2-1 to Syria on Thursday, although Ghanbar Pour’s side had already secured their second consecutive appearance in the knockout stage with a game to spare.

“DPR Korea is one of the best teams in the championship. We have analysed their team and talked with our players about their positive and negative things,” said Iran coach Ghanbar Pour (pictured).

“They are very unified and powerful and all of their players are strong, but we have our approach and strategy to deal with their positive and negative points.

“If we take our time and opportunities, we can win this match.”

Having already guaranteed top spot in Group D following wins over Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Ghanbar Pour made nine changes to the Iran side which lost to Syria.

“We asked our main players to have a rest. Some key players also had a yellow card so we didn’t want to risk them,” added the Iran coach.

“We also wanted to motivate them and give the substitutes a chance to play. I hope the players will benefit.”

The winner of the last quarter-final tie will also secure a place at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

“All the teams who are in the quarter-finals are thinking about World Cup qualification. Sunday’s match is the showcase for this so it is very crucial,” said Ghanbar Pour.

“If we qualify, we have one year to prepare to represent the AFC.”

Opposite number Yon Kwang-mu, meanwhile, has identified striker Han Kwang-song as DPR Korea’s main player in the tournament.

Han netted in all three Group C games as DPR Korea beat Kuwait and Nepal either side of a defeat by defending champions Uzbekistan.

“He is our main attacker and one of the best strikers in the championship in my opinion,” said Yon.

“I think he will show his talent in the quarter-final.”

And Yon is boosted by the return of defender Kim Wi-song from suspension as the 2010 AFC U-16 Championship winners seek a return to the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time since 2011.

“All the teams are dreaming about the World Cup; it is the same with our team. Every player and coach wants to be there,” added the DPR Korea coach.

“We have had an extra day to recover which has helped, and now we will do everything we can to qualify for the World Cup.”