A 91st-minute own goal by the United Arab Emirates'Walid Abbas gave Iraq their first victory of the tournament and put them firmly in control of their own destiny as they bid to reach the last eight of the continental championship for the fifth successive time.

Iraq face a Korean side who also have the chance to snatch second place in Group D, and will no doubt be gunning for their first win at Al Rayyan Stadium to seal their progress.

But Sidka believes the fact that nothing less than three points will do for North Korea will work in his side's favour.

"North Korea are under more pressure than we are," said the former Werder Bremen boss.

"Our position is good after the late goal against the UAE and we have everything in our own hands to go through to the quarter-finals.

"We are in a very good mood. The atmosphere is excellent in my team."

Key to North Korea's hopes will be the performance of star striker Jong Tae-se.

The Bochum forward has been in fine form at domestic level but has yet to open his account at the Asian Cup.

And coach Jo Tong-sop revealed he plans to ensure the rest of his squad provide Jong with all the service he needs to fire North Korea to victory.

"As a member of our squad, we try to use his good qualities," he said.

"He is a very good finisher and a goalscorer and we will try to make use of our team to make chances.

"I have told him to have more movement so that he can display his own qualities. We will try to utilise our strengths to win the match."