South Korea look for new coach after Verbeek quits

JAKARTA, July 29 (Reuters) South Korea are looking for a new coach following the resignation of Dutchman Pim Verbeek after the Asian Cup 3rd/4th place playoff against Japan.

A spokesman for the Korean Football Association (KFA) told Reuters that officials were already discussing a possible successor but had not yet made a decision.

Verbeek announced his resignation at a news conference in Palembang after South Korea had beaten Japan 6-5 on penalties after the match ended goalless yesterday.

The victory assured South Korea an automatic place in the 2011 Asian Cup to be held in Qatar.

''I have decided to resign....It's time for a new challenge,'' Verbeek said.

''I have asked the KFA before today's match to terminate my contract which was for 2008 and they agreed with that.'' Verbeek, 51, took over as South Korea coach last year after serving as an assistant to Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat at the last two World Cups.

Verbeek would not be drawn on his future plans but said he would return to South Korea with the team on Monday then planned to take an extended break before looking for a new job.

''It is time for a long break in order to get enough energy for the next 10 years or so,'' he said.

South Korea went into the tournament as one of the favourites but finished second in their group behind Saudi Arabia and lost to Iraq on penalties in the semi-finals.

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