Iconic stadium to host World Cup qualifier in Oct.

SEOUL, Sept. 7 (Yonhap) -- An iconic stadium located south of Seoul will host a World Cup qualifier between South Korea and Qatar on Oct. 6, the sport's national governing body said Wednesday.

Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, some 45 kilometers south of the capital, will be the venue for the Group A contest in the final Asian qualification round for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The kickoff is 8 p.m.

The stadium, also known as Big Bard, has never hosted a final round match in World Cup qualification. South Korea have played three second-round matches there, most recently against Myanmar in November last year, and have won all three.

South Korea, seeking their ninth consecutive World Cup appearance, are in third place in the group on a win and a draw.

Uzbekistan are leading the group thanks to two straight victories. Iran also have a win and a draw but lead South Korea on goal difference.

South Korea have four wins, two draws and one loss against Qatar. The two were also paired in the final group for the 2014 World Cup qualification, and South Korea prevailed 2-1 in their last meeting in March 2013.

South Korea's roster will be announced on Sept. 26.

There are 12 teams, divided into two groups of six, in the final round. The top two teams from each group will earn automatic berths to the World Cup. The two third-place nations will meet in a playoff. The winner will take on the fourth-place team from the fifth round of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) qualifiers in a two-legged inter-confederation playoff for the final chance to make the World Cup.

jeeho@yna.co.kr
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