tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88450564053759571582024-03-18T19:29:45.585+09:00K League United | South Korean football news, opinions, match previews and score predictionsOfficial English content provider for K League covering the latest South Korean football news, opinions, player interviews, match previews and score predictions for K League 1, K League 2, and the Korean National Team.K League Unitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03322732355538730892noreply@blogger.comBlogger4286125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-78626702829563649962024-03-18T19:28:00.002+09:002024-03-18T19:28:53.494+09:00Week 3: Big Review of K League 2<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Chungbuk Cheongju FC are the early pacesetters in K League 2 after maintaining their unbeaten start to the season against the only other undefeated side, FC Anyang. Suwon Samsung bounced back from their Mokdong disappointment to win in Ansan, and Busan IPark's poor home form continued with a loss to Gimpo FC. Seongnam drop to 13th, and last spot.</i></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-VdJ4jSDuj0rHlw4C2e5n52xXgWG1esYqeVE3mWjoKae7YzZCOxDpkLpeD_kg8PfjQLJo6U_mKUVFEwH_BapP4Dhot4-WfNxwem1BFpiygDVIPVOhAMv1itDqwGfXDB5vZErCuyVa3pXPS2w4fUie3nadNeapRq2Hqjovb72gBk-pggSINUg9LK57vnQ/s5133/c79537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3422" data-original-width="5133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-VdJ4jSDuj0rHlw4C2e5n52xXgWG1esYqeVE3mWjoKae7YzZCOxDpkLpeD_kg8PfjQLJo6U_mKUVFEwH_BapP4Dhot4-WfNxwem1BFpiygDVIPVOhAMv1itDqwGfXDB5vZErCuyVa3pXPS2w4fUie3nadNeapRq2Hqjovb72gBk-pggSINUg9LK57vnQ/s16000/c79537.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Cheonan City FC 0</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Seongnam FC 0</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Cheonan Stadium</div><div>1,962</div><div><br /></div><div>The first 0-0 of the season played out in front of a sparsely attended ground will do little to inspire the residents of Cheonan to turn up for the next game. Cheonan debuted Brazilian striker Erikys da Silva, who did well to stay on the field unlike his compatriots last weekend. Although he did pick up a yellow card. </div><div><br /></div><div>Seongnam collected their first point of the season and will be grateful to keep a clean sheet after conceding five in their two games (and it could have been much more). Cheonan dominated this game but couldn't turn possession and chances into goals. They will be delighted to sit 4th (even if two points got away) as the League takes a break for the Korea Cup.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[LISTEN: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/klupod-jesse-lingards-home-debut.html">KLU Podcast</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gyeongnam FC 1 </b><i>(Won Ki-jong 34')</i></div><div><b>Chungnam Asan FC 2 </b><i>(Kim Jong-suk 26', Jung Ma-ho 42')</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div>Changwon Football Centre</div><div>2,955</div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrXpTPNDOxozcHpSVtSXtG_xWA0yeOAhsa6wnlqmCEBXjsU5whBGnGfnGjTLuKDoSQGkkWJ0xU-ZTEWVvHp6qbRCkbzV75UJrAR8Gr0tqAiI64IaahUUhisSVXP-YoNq6CdKciR88dX75NsSS4OjxaZFFnRblu0uJU52DlLAVJ3BD1HmZGWjeU-zlwDkO/s4236/c79541.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2824" data-original-width="4236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrXpTPNDOxozcHpSVtSXtG_xWA0yeOAhsa6wnlqmCEBXjsU5whBGnGfnGjTLuKDoSQGkkWJ0xU-ZTEWVvHp6qbRCkbzV75UJrAR8Gr0tqAiI64IaahUUhisSVXP-YoNq6CdKciR88dX75NsSS4OjxaZFFnRblu0uJU52DlLAVJ3BD1HmZGWjeU-zlwDkO/s16000/c79541.jpg" /></a></div>What must Won Ki-jong be thinking? The striker notched his 4th in three games (after bagging 10 last term) but his team still came out on the wrong side of this result. Won started the move that led to him scoring his side's only goal; he collected a loose ball, opened his body, and bent it nicely into the net, away from the despairing dive of Shin Song-hun.</div><div><br /></div><div>19-year-old Jung Ma-ho smashed home the winner, his second of the campaign, in his debut season. This has been an excellent start for Chungnam Asan, and their new coach Kim Hyeon-seok. They almost knicked a point from Big Bird in week 1 but picked up four in two games against playoff sides from 2023. The win will be all the sweeter after manager Park Dong-hyeok left Yi Sun-sin for Changwon over the winter.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bucheon FC 1995 1</b> <i>(An Jae-joon 72')</i></div><div><b>Seoul E-Land 0</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Bucheon Stadium</div><div>3,139</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bkUma2O697jzodXrrvxnUOc3Z82Vl2YRM68FCQj1kMn8UytZ77GhWmmbVk8cKWrDcdHVYb8w2-Y-Tkr97gBG8SuH1VxHMiHP5QiUci3F2y5ds-A2APtFKggylCEZ0iScSnMZXJjxEWGaXuwgDs_u0Zgx486jhyCPOvHHHOlQcWhiMryW-47XEh1SWyOL/s8192/a9357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5464" data-original-width="8192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bkUma2O697jzodXrrvxnUOc3Z82Vl2YRM68FCQj1kMn8UytZ77GhWmmbVk8cKWrDcdHVYb8w2-Y-Tkr97gBG8SuH1VxHMiHP5QiUci3F2y5ds-A2APtFKggylCEZ0iScSnMZXJjxEWGaXuwgDs_u0Zgx486jhyCPOvHHHOlQcWhiMryW-47XEh1SWyOL/s16000/a9357.jpg" /></a></div><div>K League 2 is a really tough league and Seoul E-Land, leaders, had arguably the toughest start of any club. After a terrible finish to 2023, Seoul recruited well but faced Busan IPark (incredibly not in K League 1 now), Suwon Samsung, and Bucheon FC 1995 (a playoff team) in their first three fixtures. They had good chances of their own, especially from headers, in the opening half.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a surprise opening day defeat, Bucheon have steadied and are now one of four clubs on four points. 22-year-old An Jae-joon was their hero and matchwinner, as he so often was last season. The young striker nearly got on the end of a cross for an early lead and ended the half by missing a great chance when he dragged his shot wide. However, when presented with another opportunity, An took it. He dispossessed Osmar and rifted home the winner from 18 yards.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/week-2-big-review-of-k-league-2.html">Week 2 Big review</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Busan IPark 0</b></div><div><b>Gimpo FC 1 </b><i>(Luis Mina 59')</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Busan Asiad</div><div>2,245</div><div><br /></div><div>On a gorgeous spring afternoon, Gimpo bounced back from last week's heavy defeat in Gwangyang to record their first win of the season against a wasteful Busan IPark. Luis Mina's finish on the hour mark was sublime; reacting quickest inside the box to drill the ball home first time. Smash-and-grab wins like this are vital as the club goes on an extended road trip due to stadium redevelopments in Gimpo.</div><div><br /></div><div>Busan will be wondering, again, how they managed to lose a game that was theirs to win. The first half was one-way traffic, with traveling goalkeeper Son Jeong-hyeon forced to make several big saves. Last week, Busan destroyed neighbours Gyeongnam in Changwon. Against Gimpo, they managed 19 shots, 12 on target, but failed to score. Either there are serious issues in the club related to last season's meltdown, or they're about to hammer every other team when it all clicks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Chungbuk Cheongju FC 1 </b><i>(Koo Hyun-jun 74')</i></div><div><b>FC Anyang 1 </b><i>(Danrlei 70')</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Cheongju Stadium</div><div>3,645</div><div><br /></div><div>As they sit down this week and review the game, Anyang will look at this as two points dropped. The playing surface, like most stadiums in March, was in terrible shape. Simple passes bobbled along the ground and good opportunities were wasted because of unpredictable bounces. Anyang's only goal came from Danrlei, his second of the season. The Brazilian met Joo Hyeon-woo's cutback, hitting it first time through Park Dae-han's legs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Disappointingly for Anyang, their lead lasted just three minutes. But it was a peach of an equalizer. Left-back Koo Hyun-jun collected a loose ball on the edge of the box, turned inside on his right foot, and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner. It was the defender's first goal since 2017, and just the third of his career. Cheongju top the table with this point.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/suwon-up-to-third-after-surviving-late.html">Ansan Greeners vs. Suwon Samsung</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ansan Greeners 0</b></div><div><b>Suwon Samsung 1 </b><i>(Han Ho-gang 63')</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Wa~ Stadium</div><div>8,246</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfVYo3SInpD7IV6BoYFbO_JHbff-IuqmoWUhWAkSWf3gXKdDPHrASnb6HX3Fwt1Ism34_aTF1ZqXysK7jqgr-_qSvI-RER25_0WmK1z41PdbQC2Azedwm5NcKrBfJul-eS2uLy2_tGfGsv8OTYYdziHuNv1b2foWH5U7xawYWdnD7JZa8ZWkbF693tq7z/s5703/d121633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3802" data-original-width="5703" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfVYo3SInpD7IV6BoYFbO_JHbff-IuqmoWUhWAkSWf3gXKdDPHrASnb6HX3Fwt1Ism34_aTF1ZqXysK7jqgr-_qSvI-RER25_0WmK1z41PdbQC2Azedwm5NcKrBfJul-eS2uLy2_tGfGsv8OTYYdziHuNv1b2foWH5U7xawYWdnD7JZa8ZWkbF693tq7z/s16000/d121633.jpg" /></a></div><div>Suwon got back to winning ways in Ansan thanks to Han Ho-gang's header midway through the second half. Han rose highest to meet Lee Jong-sung's corner and send the massive traveling support into raptures. The Bluewings deserved their victory but were needlessly left to hang on in injury time after defender Park Dae-won picked up his second yellow card of the game.</div><div><br /></div><div>Suwon created plenty of chances, mostly falling to Fejsal Mulić, who just couldn't find a way past Lee Jun-hee in goal, or the crossbar. Yeom Ki-hun handed debuts to right-back Lee Si-yong, on loan from FC Seoul, and Malian winger Aboubacar Toungara. The club announced on Monday that Maxwell Acosty's contract had been terminated.</div><div><br /></div><div><i> Jeonnam Dragons sat out Round 3.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>Up next...</b></div><div>Chungnam Asan vs. Chungbuk Cheongju FC</div><div>Seongnam FC vs. Gimpo FC</div><div>Seoul E-Land vs. FC Anyang</div><div>Bucheon FC 1995 vs. Gyeongnam FC</div><div>Jeonnam Dragons vs. Cheonan City FC</div><div>Suwon Samsung vs. Busan IPark</div><div><br /></div><div>These matches will take place at the end of March. Next weekend, all 13 K League 2 sides will play in the 2nd round of the Korea Cup.</div>Andrew Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600453245294542164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-88347916384240525992024-03-17T20:48:00.001+09:002024-03-17T20:48:42.542+09:00Suwon up to third after surviving late scare<div><i>Park Dae-won's late red card ensured an unnecessarily stressful finish for the Bluewings in front of almost 9,000 entertained fans at Wa~ Stadium. Suwon wasted several good chances to close out the game, nearly paying the ultimate price deep into injury time.</i></div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnacyrp7TErP_NXgD06iKcz0Bbj0URRzLADITLHRlFqk6cDZktrYXff7IzX1ruHqyEZYoQCRhvrDwbmC16OVFJ_yDb5BUM1mLuSjK1mYKkJwT0iOYnJAHrEVfdEJa4aphUO_MDDMcMqDWhZQGKN8S_RhrkLaCYgTh6kV9jKoHiXZLj8GIfkpGGzGLt7uLw/s6000/d121636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnacyrp7TErP_NXgD06iKcz0Bbj0URRzLADITLHRlFqk6cDZktrYXff7IzX1ruHqyEZYoQCRhvrDwbmC16OVFJ_yDb5BUM1mLuSjK1mYKkJwT0iOYnJAHrEVfdEJa4aphUO_MDDMcMqDWhZQGKN8S_RhrkLaCYgTh6kV9jKoHiXZLj8GIfkpGGzGLt7uLw/s16000/d121636.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Ansan Greeners 0-1 Suwon Samsung</h4><div><br /></div><div>Suwon Samsung climbed to third thanks to Han Ho-gang's second-half header at Wa~ Stadium. Han climbed highest to meet Lee Jong-sung's out-swinging corner, powerfully directing it into the bottom right corner. Questions will be asked of Ansan's defending, especially on the goal line, but this was a thoroughly deserved three points against a good Greeners side.</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CK7cXTSJIs8?si=TEUQqbT5Q-MlKgjl" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Yeom Ki-hun handed league debuts to two of his winter signings. Lee Si-young, on loan from bitter rivals FC Seoul, started at right back and played the full 90 minutes. It was a battling outing for the 26-year-old, picking up a yellow card midway through the second half.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aboubacar Toungara lasted an hour on his debut. The Malian midfielder only joined the club last week from Bulgarian side FC Arda Kardzhali, showing promising signs before being replaced by Kim Ju-chan. Toungara laid one on for Fejsal Mulić who fired wide when through on goal.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was another enigmatic performance from the big man leading Suwon's line. On another day, he could have helped himself to a hat-trick, but it wasn't another day. Soon after missing the target with his first sighting on goal, Mulić was again played through, this time by Jeon Jun-woo. Mulić opened his body, looking to place a shot with the inside of his right foot, but it was comfortably saved by Lee Jun-hee.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the second half, Mulić displayed his unquestioned quality, when he created a chance from nothing on the edge of the area. His powerful shot crashed off the bar, with Lee completely beaten in goals. One of Mulić's final acts of the game was to sky a shot high over the bar. He was replaced by Kim Hyun with seven minutes to play.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZYICz6W-ly9RYGnT53HMR1vf7J-FShAoIU7eDytqmYOWNJlKtlcpdnYPgfvTgwru-4sHwtRICQmpCbvkpzf6BrR7U_i0lZJ-2rVMsA8oAwnyfcK1EifGJFW-ZHGXYAqRrim5FPPFWhgGDm-i2dZAjDlV2ONTD2CaxbmaJK3TykFDpLOto6MPH7NJUN_Q/s5694/d121638.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3796" data-original-width="5694" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZYICz6W-ly9RYGnT53HMR1vf7J-FShAoIU7eDytqmYOWNJlKtlcpdnYPgfvTgwru-4sHwtRICQmpCbvkpzf6BrR7U_i0lZJ-2rVMsA8oAwnyfcK1EifGJFW-ZHGXYAqRrim5FPPFWhgGDm-i2dZAjDlV2ONTD2CaxbmaJK3TykFDpLOto6MPH7NJUN_Q/s16000/d121638.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fejsal Mulić was at the heart of the action again.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div>The Bluewings will likely feel they should have closed out the game long before defender Park Dae-won's second yellow card for a professional foul in the 92nd minute. Park was one of five Suwon players to pick up a booking. Ironically, he's only in the side because Cho Yoon-sung was sent off on his debut. A disjointed defense will undoubtedly concern Yeom, and will his side's lack of clinical finishing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last season, Suwon finished level on points with Suwon FC but went down on goals scored. Despite improvements made by the three teams Suwon have faced, Chungnam Asan, Seoul E-Land, and Ansan Greeners, those clubs finished 10 to 12th in K League 2 last season. The Bluewings have dates with, among others, Busan IPark, FC Anyang, and Gimpo FC over the next month.</div><div><br /></div><div>In Ansan, however, here are positive signs that this might be a good season for the Green Wolves. They opened their campaign with a narrow, late loss to Gyeongnam FC at home, and followed that up with a massive 3-1 win at promotion-hopefuls Seongnam FC. Ansan created two very good chances in this game, the best of which fell to Lee Kyu-bin. Lee ghosted into the box unnoticed on 15 minutes but flashed his free header over from 12 yards. He should have scored.</div><div><br /></div><div>Manager Lim Gwang-sik will undoubtedly feel they left a point behind and will have been encouraged by his team's ability to cause Suwon problems on the break. A sign of Ansan's threat was evident in how many cynical fouls the Bluewings committed, one of which culminated in a deserved red card for centre-back Park.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it is Suwon who have prevailed, and they will feel they can make their stay near the top of the table a permanent one if the goals start to arrive.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ansan and Suwon will be back in action next weekend, in the 2nd round of the Korea Cup. The Bluewings host K3 side Chuncheon Citizen while Ansan make the long trip south to face another third-tier side, Gyeongju KHNP. Interestingly, if they both advance, they will face off in Wa~ Stadium on April 17th, the same stage as last season.</div>Andrew Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600453245294542164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-15930944264072016732024-03-16T22:41:00.002+09:002024-03-16T22:42:04.960+09:00Timeless Ki unlocks Jeju for Seoul's first win<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Captain Ki Sung-yueng rolled back the years with an outstanding display to end FC Seoul's wait for a first win of the season. It was far from a vintage home performance but manager Kim Gi-dong now has the short international break to work with his new players, including second-half substitute Jesse Lingard.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcRnZ49XjvKXRtM8fR52DMepIBuLNfp_EfMHP9sqq7zcCSgDBzewHnFrLFdSFwyrW-ofBncx_QNj_ldh23_cW7LTrz8QWKD6PbO7qLoPD3MhvDkcRU96B7pFmdWzgLgMhP0K0Hl44W_piiUOOTUPCMKDJs0my-tFnVtPLJyh_bzdBq-MOojSR0Fr_w2Uv/s6000/b107918%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcRnZ49XjvKXRtM8fR52DMepIBuLNfp_EfMHP9sqq7zcCSgDBzewHnFrLFdSFwyrW-ofBncx_QNj_ldh23_cW7LTrz8QWKD6PbO7qLoPD3MhvDkcRU96B7pFmdWzgLgMhP0K0Hl44W_piiUOOTUPCMKDJs0my-tFnVtPLJyh_bzdBq-MOojSR0Fr_w2Uv/s16000/b107918%20(2).jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">FC Seoul 2-0 Jeju United</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It took until the third attempt but FC Seoul are off the ground and running after recording their first win of the season. Ki Sung-yueng was excellent in midfield, playing the full 90 minutes, and was last seen pointing to his wrist and telling the referee that added-on time had lapsed. His biggest contribution, however, was scoring a brilliant second goal moments after Seoul had taken the lead.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was an incomplete performance from Seoul with the second half largely passing them by, despite the much-celebrated introduction of Jesse Lingard and Aleksandar Paločević in the 56th minute. The challenge for Kim Gi-dong and his coaches will be to create a 90-minute performance from their players, instead of the occasionally brilliant but often disjointed display we saw today.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWabWgwPJjTRyArLctxhW8kICzA8rWAsRRhJ1PkimiVcpt-GBAp8pi0KI4o9ScOcFrLk2rUWeGzr62d-NhBsYFzt2j8-ldt-W57aSI5KUjqhyoqHhY-1uudYT4_0ilnsYbQjX90dNzxWRfV42NBEHfAxP_FT5JcVt9FEIznjE9mWlNIM3-U5LI-nkog4KC/s5646/d121413.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3764" data-original-width="5646" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWabWgwPJjTRyArLctxhW8kICzA8rWAsRRhJ1PkimiVcpt-GBAp8pi0KI4o9ScOcFrLk2rUWeGzr62d-NhBsYFzt2j8-ldt-W57aSI5KUjqhyoqHhY-1uudYT4_0ilnsYbQjX90dNzxWRfV42NBEHfAxP_FT5JcVt9FEIznjE9mWlNIM3-U5LI-nkog4KC/s16000/d121413.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ki was exceptional in midfield.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">For all the flaws, Seoul can rightly celebrate this win, against a team above them in the table. Three points, a clean sheet, no injuries, more game time for Jesse Lingard, a debut for Iraqi defender Rebin Sulaka, and a very promising first start for Choi Jun were the highlights for the home team. Onwards and upwards.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unsurprisingly, Seoul looked short of confidence early in the game, allowing Jeju to settle and dominate possession. Debutant Sulaka grew into the game and will be delighted to have played the full 90 minutes after a shaky start. This was possibly due to communication issues with his new teammates, but by the end, he looked composed as Seoul denied Jeju many clear cut chances.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Somewhat against the run of play, Seoul blew the game open with two goals in quick succession.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Firstly, Jeju midfielder Han Jong-moo needlessly went through the back of Kim Ju-sung inside the box, precipitating the longest VAR check of the season. The long delay didn't faze Stanislav Iljutchenko who sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and cooly slotted to his right. It was Iljutchenko's first of the season and the relief around Sangam was palpable.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The second goal, just four minutes later, was a real beauty. Choi Jun, starting at right back for the first time, evaded his man with a lovely piece of skill, opening up acres of space downthe right. His cross wasn't properly cleared and captain Ki Sung-yueong, already having a big influence, drilled home an unstoppable 25-yard-drive. At first glance, there appeared to be a foul in the build-up but the VAR officials instructed the referee to play on.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Han, who gave away the penalty for the opener, was one of two substitutions made by Kim Hak-beom to wrestle back control of this game on 32 minutes. It didn't work.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And just like that, Seoul were purring. Especially down their right side, with Choi Jun a livewire in attack and defense linking well with Cho Young-wook. Former Suwon Bluewings defender Kim Tae-hwan was having a tough outing on the other flank and he deservedly picked up a yellow card on 30 minutes, much to the pleasure of the home fans.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was clear the two goals in quick succession knocked Jeju completely off their game, and despite creating the odd half-chance, they never threatened Choi Chul-won in the home goals. As half-time approached, the visitors did lead in yellow cards, 4 to 3, in a spicy affair.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The second half began with just one change for the visitors. The weather did change, unfortunately, as the warm and bright spring afternoon suddenly felt a few degrees colder as the clouds moved in. The 29,536 in attendance were now hoping the players could keep them warm with more exciting football in the second 45.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jeju slowly began working their way back into the contest and Kim Gi-dong made what, on paper at least, looked like a sensible double substitution on 57 minutes. Aleksandar Paločević and Jesse Lingard were summed to replace Ryu Jae-moon and Han Seung-kyu. Perhaps the move was preplanned, but with Jeju in the ascendancy, fresh legs and new ideas were definitely needed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If Lingard's introduction was meant to shift the momentum of the second half away from Jeju, it didn't really work until the final 10 minutes, when Jeju had Lim Chae-min sent off. Lingard was busy to that point but Seoul were on the barefoot. After Lim's second yellow, it was end-to-end stuff and the crowd began to sense some late drama. It felt inevitable Lingard would be the man to produce it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDGhMkDNYNCLCd4KG7iLFxFfKZMMydwrdlyorsWeEMX2-hxwrWQO13FiJYUbpWR89IbTZw747nLvYeeSTDj7LIcDyHNS6ZKJ1zrT6R3lsd8FnUub7i0ThCx_ArNjR27Cj5obrJXWl2hCww6ExDwQeK6jecG-49hma7l72i6bwh0kAo6WbZQQ7i5aM2XUm/s5246/d121402.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="3497" data-original-width="5246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDGhMkDNYNCLCd4KG7iLFxFfKZMMydwrdlyorsWeEMX2-hxwrWQO13FiJYUbpWR89IbTZw747nLvYeeSTDj7LIcDyHNS6ZKJ1zrT6R3lsd8FnUub7i0ThCx_ArNjR27Cj5obrJXWl2hCww6ExDwQeK6jecG-49hma7l72i6bwh0kAo6WbZQQ7i5aM2XUm/s16000/d121402.jpg" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lingard struggled to get into the game but was a prominent figure during the chaotic final 10 minutes.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">He set up Ki for a late chance that was saved. As the faithful chanted his name, Lingard waved his arms in the air, encouraging them to scream louder. They obliged. From the corner, the English international saw his cross end up in the back of the net. He celebrated but the assistant had flagged for offside. Lingard was booked for his protests.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The game ended with Jeju on the attack in search of consolation. Despite dictating the tempo for most of the half, Jeju never brought out a save from Choi in goal and the home side were relatively comfortable at the back. Seoul will have plenty of time to reflect on the nature of this performance but most importantly, Kim Gi-dong has his first win as boss and the added bonus of a clean sheet. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Reaction</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kim Hak-beom, Kim Gi-dong, and Ki Sung-yueng were all available at the post-match press conference. I was able to catch up with FC Seoul striker Stanislav Iljuchenko in the mixed zone. The big striker admitted, "The start of the season was not as we planned but it was important to get the won before the international break, especially at home."</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3koYmAT1YcpLbVUzeoYCLCFACYuSmPeJ4pQutiebGkRTQ-m5UADV-gIF9qhYVDbJnyVHSBgnvYBaf770geEKOwzvw06X2xqfXV1AmLpbvbo-ilCJDSjqu4Fk5eq1UoXaM54J48mwRbVBKIJjKGOTRiMjoE7ltIb852tuFEGaSB9pri9RLdgYHy5tih6c/s4000/20240316_192938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3koYmAT1YcpLbVUzeoYCLCFACYuSmPeJ4pQutiebGkRTQ-m5UADV-gIF9qhYVDbJnyVHSBgnvYBaf770geEKOwzvw06X2xqfXV1AmLpbvbo-ilCJDSjqu4Fk5eq1UoXaM54J48mwRbVBKIJjKGOTRiMjoE7ltIb852tuFEGaSB9pri9RLdgYHy5tih6c/s16000/20240316_192938.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stanislav Iljutcenko after the game shared his thoughts with K League United. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Line ups</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>FC Seoul:</b> (21) Choi Wol-chul; (88) Lee Tae-suk, (30) Kim Ju-sung, (14) Rebin Solaka, (16) Choi Jun; (29) Ryu Jae-moon (<i>Lingard 52'</i>), (66) Han Seung-kyu (<i>Palo 57'</i>), (6) Ki Sung-yueong; (32) Cho Young-uk, (90) Stanislav Iljutcenko (<i>Park Dong-jin 69'</i>), (15) Kang Sang-woo.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Substitutes:</i> (1) Baek Jong-beom, (3) Kwon Wan-kyu, (26) Aleksandar Paločević, (7) Lim Sang-hyub, (9) Kim Sin-jin, (10) Jesse Lingard, (11) Kang Sung-jin, (50) Park Dong-jin, (94) Willyan.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jesse Lingard again started on the bench as manager Kim Gi-dong made alternations to the starting XI that drew with Incheon United last week, notably a debut for big Iraqi centre-back Rebin Solaka. Park Dong-jin dropped to the bench, alongside Aleksandar Paločević. Japanese midfielder Shigehiro Takuya missed out altogether. Willyan made the bench for the first time this season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jeju United:</b> (1) Kim Dong-jun; (32) Lee Ju-yong, (4) Song Ju-hoon, (26) Lim Chae-min, (16) Kim Tae-hwan; (36) Kim Sung-seup (<i>Jin Seon-wook 32'</i>), (5) Italo Barcelos, (30) Choi Jong-jun (Yeon Jae-woon 91'), (24) Han Jong-moon (<i>Seo Jin-soo 32'</i>); (11) Tales (<i>Reis 46'</i>), (9) Yuri Jonathan.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Substitutes:</i> (21) An Chan-ki, (22) An Tae-hyeon, (20) Yeon Jae-woon, (6) Kim Jeong-min, (28) Kim Jae-min, (8) Kim Geon-woong, (14) Seo Jin-soo, (10) Reis, (18) Jin Sung-wook.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">The fans</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">FC Seoul and Jeju United played at World Cup stadiums 477 km apart, as the crow flies. This makes Seoul one of the longest away trips for Jeju and their supporters. They brought around 300 to Sangam, with their full array of flags, banners, and jerseys. Inevitably, they were drowned out by the home support, especially once Lingard arrived. The 29,000-or-so home fans were basically screaming the ball into the net in those final few minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2i_rz4ruA0Tm_6xtnz_HliKaumMVh3UkWdo0o_fplRfwzVDlghhDzwvb-Cqojnn7Ue3MAlLtyAa2hU73coaHrcnExEoHjdYA8Memehx6H5TQCVsdQ7IFNW0dcE4mpputjrt2p7e92Byf-Ch45FqzshvzVT155akdONxkgAY2a_LJmjP9vNMXxZVElZxo/s4000/20240316_164009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2i_rz4ruA0Tm_6xtnz_HliKaumMVh3UkWdo0o_fplRfwzVDlghhDzwvb-Cqojnn7Ue3MAlLtyAa2hU73coaHrcnExEoHjdYA8Memehx6H5TQCVsdQ7IFNW0dcE4mpputjrt2p7e92Byf-Ch45FqzshvzVT155akdONxkgAY2a_LJmjP9vNMXxZVElZxo/s16000/20240316_164009.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The away end. (Image: instagram.com/groundhopkoreafc)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Up next</h4><div style="text-align: left;">This is the final round of fixtures before the international break. When the league resumes, <b>FC Seoul</b> will travel to Chuncheon to face <b>Gangwon FC</b> at 2pm on Sunday, March 31st. Interestingly, Seoul have a mediocre record against Gangwon and last picked up 3 points in Chuncheon in April 2019.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jeju United</b> will be back in action a day earlier, against <b>Pohang Steelers</b> on Saturday, March 30th. Jeju's home record against Pohang is surprisingly strong, with just three defeats in Seogwipo in the last 15 meetings, stretching back to 2013.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jeju welcome Seoul to Seogwipo on Saturday, July 6th.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Best player</b>: Ki Sung-yueng.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Attendance</b>: 29,536</div>Andrew Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600453245294542164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-81819235935204618262024-03-16T21:06:00.003+09:002024-03-16T23:16:11.624+09:00Recap: Suwon FC's Stoppage-time Eqauliser Delays Daegu's First Win of the Season <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cRIf0s61e15_dPgcun7s4wM-dQ_WXxWfOjNFNhIZ4I7jEf-PdqdBqnn_Oq4rX4Kl6Vv5hAdy0r_TdkVlq8cSHvPfGJTb07f-_7122Ri0W4L30Su3zfJExDi1qBV61OirxNZkKPBbvGOEyw6gaBC5KVo-pm-vlnIQ5F4YuuC6ChezPzW80qPEbLYiPl7c/s5903/g93318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3935" data-original-width="5903" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cRIf0s61e15_dPgcun7s4wM-dQ_WXxWfOjNFNhIZ4I7jEf-PdqdBqnn_Oq4rX4Kl6Vv5hAdy0r_TdkVlq8cSHvPfGJTb07f-_7122Ri0W4L30Su3zfJExDi1qBV61OirxNZkKPBbvGOEyw6gaBC5KVo-pm-vlnIQ5F4YuuC6ChezPzW80qPEbLYiPl7c/s16000/g93318.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Daegu FC were only a minute away from securing their first win of the season in front of a sell-out crowd after Yoshino's brilliant strike put the hosts ahead in 24th minutes </em><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">in Round 3 of the 2024 Hana 1Q K League 1. However, hopes of a win were absolutely shattered when substitute Jeong Jaemin put the shot away in stoppage time for Suwon FC. </em><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Daegu FC correspondent Muyeol Jung reviewed the game and listened to Daegu's goal scorer Yoshino Kyohei in the press conference</em><i>.</i></div><div><div><i><span><a name='more'></a></span></i><div><br /></div>
<h4>What happened</h4>
Daegu came into Round 3 of the K League 1, looking for their first win of the season, and they were only a minute away from it. However, their dream was completely destroyed by a second half stoppage time goal from Jeong Jaemin who pounced on the ball inside the six yard box.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The Sky Blues looked much better compared to the previous two games, and dominated the first half. Their endless efforts eventually produced when new signing Yoshino struck the ball into the top corner of the net in 24th minutes. Afterwards, the hosts went on to find the second of this afternoon through Barcelos, but couldn't take them.</div><div><br /></div><div>
</div><div>A 1-0 down for the visitors forced the introduction of Lee Seungwoo and Anderson off the bench in the start of the second half, and they dragged Daegu's defence from side to side. Suwon FC had a few chances that were very close to netting, but Daegu's shot stopper Oh Seunghoon was there to deny their efforts until the stoppage time. Daegu appeared to have claimed their first win by holding onto a 1-0 lead, but they got punished in the last minute when Jeong Jaemin scored his first K League 1 goal in style for Suwon FC. </div><div><br /></div><div>
<i></i><div></div><div><br /></div><p>
</p><h4>Man of the Match Yoshino Kyohei</h4>
<i></i><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWETXblSOl-NGaAqUpEwgUC_6wMZh0oPcFTFBbhG-zO_NEOM6cj2V9cY4VSowCS42AAxvXsGtCZCrycVzwcsieLHJmfvsjpGB78nq7p9tZo-QWo5ygJVcnLhjqQLtcpCm_F4kQHdnvK3UUr44UoYktTwOIEdhzJpDG2tm4LPdKizkttqTBwubViilgHR/s5793/g93263.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3862" data-original-width="5793" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWETXblSOl-NGaAqUpEwgUC_6wMZh0oPcFTFBbhG-zO_NEOM6cj2V9cY4VSowCS42AAxvXsGtCZCrycVzwcsieLHJmfvsjpGB78nq7p9tZo-QWo5ygJVcnLhjqQLtcpCm_F4kQHdnvK3UUr44UoYktTwOIEdhzJpDG2tm4LPdKizkttqTBwubViilgHR/s16000/g93263.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><b>How are you feeling after today's game?</b><div></div><br />
"Coming into today's game, we were working hard with a clear goal of earning a three points, but it's really disappointing to drop two points at home". <div></div><br /><b>It was a brilliant strike today. Can you talk us through a goal scoring moment?</b><div></div><br />
"The manager instrcuted Bertola and me to play high, getting involved with attacking work. It was just luck that I scored this strike. Personally I am happy to score, but in this situation where Daegu were in a desperate need of a win, what I am thinking right now is how to prepare for the next game, while looking ahead".</div><div><br /><div></div><br />
<b>Bertola and you play together in the midfield. How do you get along with him on the pitch?</b><div></div><br />
"I have a good relationship with him and we were training day in and day out, only thinking about breaking down the opponents. I am still learning how to play well in our team's tactic". <div></div><br /><div></div><br /><b>You look strong defensively, but made some misplaced passes today. How do you find adapting to Korean football?</b><div></div><br />
"Until last year, I usually played as centre-back and playing as defensive midfielder is something I am still brushing up on. My strength is defensive ability rather than passing to be honest, but passing accuracy will be back soon as I grow into this team more and more. We have played three games into the season, and I am still learning and adapting. I am not as high as I wished I was in terms of match performances. I hope I can show a better side of my game soon with more time".<div></div><br />
</div></div>Muyeol Junghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744905187854405311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-79831040640031406452024-03-15T17:07:00.001+09:002024-03-15T23:23:30.740+09:00Ansan Greeners vs. Suwon Samsung: Can Suwon bounce back from their Mokdong misery?<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Ansan Greeners welcome Suwon Samsung Bluewings to Wa~ Stadium for a St. Patrick's Day derby in K League 2 on Sunday. Suwon will be under immense pressure to deliver a result and performance after a dramatic late defeat to Seoul E-Land in Round 2. But Ansan won't be the roll-overs some might have expected. They arrive level on points after recording a win and a draw thus far.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKiMFm8qjR8ztYrLo-AEMSdOrswLsnYTpgH8yEuu_3E51sFU4Cr3032kRPxqHHuynqZvHwbCaf39hHSC71ERw21LQKZv1fpHKSnXiCoF3CfMb3NCtXf2lYRAe0gvsW75FdjqYCOfDhyAsPQDxcSvxMGb7gUo2_M-Ma3uyckCes8NPa-xt-dAItL3spAfr/s5742/d121006%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3828" data-original-width="5742" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKiMFm8qjR8ztYrLo-AEMSdOrswLsnYTpgH8yEuu_3E51sFU4Cr3032kRPxqHHuynqZvHwbCaf39hHSC71ERw21LQKZv1fpHKSnXiCoF3CfMb3NCtXf2lYRAe0gvsW75FdjqYCOfDhyAsPQDxcSvxMGb7gUo2_M-Ma3uyckCes8NPa-xt-dAItL3spAfr/s16000/d121006%20(1).jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Match details</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Match:</b> Ansan Greeners vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Date:</b> Sunday, March 17th, 2024. 16:30.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Venue:</b> Ansan Wa~ Stadium. Capacity 35,000</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tickets:</b> <a href="https://ticket.interpark.com/Contents/Sports">Interpark is the official provider</a> of tickets at Wa~ Stadium. Prices start at ₩11,000.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>How to watch:</b> <a href="https://tv.kleague.com/en-int/livestream/ansan-greeners-fc-suwon-bluewings/1719277">K League TV</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Record so far</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ansan Greeners vs.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gyeongnam FC (h). Lost 1-2.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Seongnam FC (a). Won 3-1.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Suwon Samsung vs.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chungnam Asan FC (h). Won 2-1.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Seoul E-Land (a). Lost 1-2.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ansan are ahead of Suwon having scored one goal more and boasting a better goal difference. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Absolutely delighted to welcome <b>Mike Brandon</b> to this preview to give us his thoughts on Ansan Greeners' start to the season. You can follow Mike on Twitter (@mikeogc), and Instagram (@ansansfc), and check out the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ansan-greeners-podcast/id1585459763">Ansan podcast</a> for more content.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Nothing to fear </h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Greeners went into this season with the lowest wage bill in the league and with most of their goal-getting players having left the club. Yet the squad has thus far defied predictions that they were headed for another year of trying to avoid finishing bottom. Their opener against Gyeongnam saw Ansan dominate the opening twenty minutes, and take the lead with a debut goal from Lee Gyu-bin. They would eventually go onto the defensive, and succumb to a Gyeongnam winner in the closing minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yet the team dusted themselves off for a memorable win at the Tancheon last weekend. Taking an early lead through Kim Jae-sung, a diligent defensive display, and some clever counter-attacking football saw the Green Wolves come away 3-1 winners with a brace from Roh Kyung-ho.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqmlgPTRmhsSxUH7JRSl_aKSO8EcbZJd1pmyCy7JOZzO63i3gRykH9wul-cW7HLTZIC7ffN5KRD3W9zqY111tmFJh1O8HPeQzSTMFx0ZIIJKTmuKo-0DrkdFAH4V7RqeTEc9FgTnE3hfOqRgOF0jk13G4K53xUZl2tuGrI-fmlJ19mj3K7twET5upUd-x/s4978/a9333.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="3319" data-original-width="4978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqmlgPTRmhsSxUH7JRSl_aKSO8EcbZJd1pmyCy7JOZzO63i3gRykH9wul-cW7HLTZIC7ffN5KRD3W9zqY111tmFJh1O8HPeQzSTMFx0ZIIJKTmuKo-0DrkdFAH4V7RqeTEc9FgTnE3hfOqRgOF0jk13G4K53xUZl2tuGrI-fmlJ19mj3K7twET5upUd-x/s16000/a9333.jpg" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lim Kwan-sik has brought more cohesion to the side which finished 12th last season.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Lim Kwan-sik certainly seems to have got the team playing far more cohesively than the wild if entertaining displays at the back end of last season. Defense remains a question mark, but Kim Young-nam took on defensive duties at Seongnam and marshaled his side well, while Choi Han-sol has continued to demonstrate his ability to drive the midfield forward after his move up from the K4 last season. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Fan favorite Kim Beom-su has also benefited from Ansan’s counter-attacking tactics, being given far more space and freedom to harry the opposition. Lee Jun-hee has not quite settled into looking assured between the sticks however but has been favored over veteran Lee Seung-bin since his move from Daegu. His cavalier run from his area to clear a loose ball with a diving header last weekend though, demonstrated that this Ansan team has confidence and trust from their manager.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- words by Mike Brandon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Suwon tamed on their return to the capital</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sunday's game at Mokdong was nearing its conclusion when play was halted for a VAR check on a possible penalty. The Bluewings were piling on the pressure in search of a winning goal and a statement victory in front of their large traveling support. Kim Ju-chan's shot struck Kim Oh-kyu's arm. Furiously, the players surrounded the referee, and the entire dugout emptied. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the reply, it never looked like a penalty. The referee finally signaled game on but some of the Bluewings' players continued their protests. We'll never know what impact the VAR delay had in those final moments, but within 40 seconds of the resumption of play, goalkeeper Yang Hyeong-mo was stretched out on the turf because the ball was nestled in the back of his net.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Suwon were beaten. After falling behind seven minutes into the second half, Suwon completely dominated the game and deservedly equalized when Jeon Jin-woo poked home a hopeful punt into the box on 78 minutes. A draw would have been a fair result and a good point to take with them on their journey home. But they went all out for a win and were sucker-punched deep into added-on time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuf8X0Az0KH2qE6HjfmCn0aiXduAJFN3m6wM4maqXUYuMvlQ78uUSH5fLxYemSucjupxO3OtHm8OJGUnrmbJeI-pUKK660ZvEWb3UVs51KQ61qWJM5nRcMWqvVZcMgUbTOpxSVkH_3E27j_HN94DOpICMYHvuNv1-K5mTFtdRfq0URkHTmUG7kkSpB_sh_/s5472/z18404%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuf8X0Az0KH2qE6HjfmCn0aiXduAJFN3m6wM4maqXUYuMvlQ78uUSH5fLxYemSucjupxO3OtHm8OJGUnrmbJeI-pUKK660ZvEWb3UVs51KQ61qWJM5nRcMWqvVZcMgUbTOpxSVkH_3E27j_HN94DOpICMYHvuNv1-K5mTFtdRfq0URkHTmUG7kkSpB_sh_/s16000/z18404%20(1).jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>If Suwon are to prevail at the weekend, they need Mulić to bring his A game to Ansan. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Despite the setback, there were promising signs for Yeom Ki-hun's side. Fejsal Mulić was anonymous, but replacement striker Kim Hyun posed more questions of the E-Land defense and Jeon's goal came soon after his introduction. Park Sang-hyeok's unfortunate injury should mean a first league start for Kim Ju-chan; even if there's too much pressure on the 19-year-old's shoulders, playing Kim gives them more pace and an extra outlet out wide. As we saw in 2023, Kim Ju-chan is a match-winner and fans love it. The Bluewings are missing Kazuki's variety in midfield, though. With Lee Jong-sung, Kim Sang-jun, and Park Sang-hyuk starting, the midfield was crowded. Maxwell Acosty can offer more width when he returns.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">A first league meeting</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Two clubs separated by just 25 kilometers of Gyeonggi-do countryside meet for the first time in the league on Sunday. However, Suwon were in Wa~ Stadium last April for a 3rd Round Cup tie, running out 3-1 winners. A flurry of goals before the hour turned what had been uncomfortable viewing for the Suwon fans into a routine victory.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRDlY-z50tDOw0egUhz3Z-9w1JNNbTYC1ySkCxn-klmaq0xrkkcgW18skCFxwSTLjS2bsQ7eOo0_teSELREf7WXxRF4_-vI42MyxXSZ9tSBHRGx-V1c_AJtcxOZCXC443DwjfAybPiKeoNmdu1udThh4PzFqPCDB5_Uf3KZQU2E5WRxQmiCXmOYghZRpL/s6000/a9337.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4002" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRDlY-z50tDOw0egUhz3Z-9w1JNNbTYC1ySkCxn-klmaq0xrkkcgW18skCFxwSTLjS2bsQ7eOo0_teSELREf7WXxRF4_-vI42MyxXSZ9tSBHRGx-V1c_AJtcxOZCXC443DwjfAybPiKeoNmdu1udThh4PzFqPCDB5_Uf3KZQU2E5WRxQmiCXmOYghZRpL/s16000/a9337.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Noh Kyeong-ho will look to add to his season tally against a shaky Suwon rearguard.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">I was there that night. The away fans groaned and grumbled their way through the first half, presumably hoping for a little Cup cheer to distract them from their troubles in K League 1. By the time the two sides met, Suwon were already in the relegation zone and never escaped. Now they are back in Ansan and, as luck would have it, they should return in exactly a month for another 3rd round Cup tie. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Injuries and suspensions</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Suwon will be without the suspended Cho Yoon-sung after the centre-back was red carded on his league debut against his former club, Chungnam Asan, in Round 1. Park Dae-won should deputize until Yoon returns. As mentioned above, Park Sang-hyuk was stretchered off in Mokdong. Even if he's fit to play, Suwon might well have changed the makeup of their front line. The away fans will be desperately hoping Kozuka Kazuki and Maxwell Acosty are fit to return this month. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Prediction</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Andrew</b>: The pressure will be on Yeom's side to bounce back immediately against the perennial K League 2 strugglers. Another large traveling support is expected in Wa~ Stadium, but they will only show up as long as there is a reason to do so. In truth, the Bluewings simply have better players but they just need to show more of the fight, fizz, and energy from the second half of last week.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ansan Greeners 1-2 Suwon Samsung</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisKFClSOnk5sdcrGCKASKNgRNJMLIhyphenhyphendVnTTrZAsRRTan9TzAsF4h1dnPKEFcJQHjmyHWV2eVV3fo75sKXPA9o2pOdMNceA1McsVXCXhR3nsyiGpQwnptXdvGqfbUfQuXKmgUA6trqMILWOiTiuYlc4sWH2fwzY39JCuLLrtdUvIhFg400w9vzFhF8GUf/s4000/20240310_135705.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisKFClSOnk5sdcrGCKASKNgRNJMLIhyphenhyphendVnTTrZAsRRTan9TzAsF4h1dnPKEFcJQHjmyHWV2eVV3fo75sKXPA9o2pOdMNceA1McsVXCXhR3nsyiGpQwnptXdvGqfbUfQuXKmgUA6trqMILWOiTiuYlc4sWH2fwzY39JCuLLrtdUvIhFg400w9vzFhF8GUf/s16000/20240310_135705.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Can the traveling blue army inspire their team to a win this weekend? (Image: instagram.com/groundhopkoreafc)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mike</b>: The Bluewings’ first trip to the Wa Stadium came just under a year ago in the FA Cup, and despite going in scoreless at half time, the then K League 1 side turned the screw with 3 goals in 10 minutes, coming away 3-1 winners. This time however, the Bluewings come as a second division side and will need to go for a win given that they actually sit below Ansan in the table. One would expect they still retain quality enough to be favorites to be promoted, but the need to pick up points may well play into Lim’s tactics and Ansan may yet continue their plucky start to the season by getting a result against a side whose fans may well outnumber the home support. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ansan Greeners 1-1 Suwon Samsung </div>Andrew Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600453245294542164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-65521784612622468042024-03-15T09:00:00.003+09:002024-03-15T14:09:22.739+09:00Lingard aims to repay fans' love with performances on the pitch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8ISVQVfU1td4StPWzKDbXw3LsBIB1Nf7cSJLEBgcc2m7mt8d4LsvfAw6e2DgkXHN0AaKeTd_2zcewur0raXoemQZo171GiTjgpXvwvvvgm384DIKMi4X4bueeZtSCaUge5BpqnzHNJXodsZsSik5LnoNkBybSyM1NJ0yJdItB8-iRU_gO1iLd7z0fvg/s5379/i1634.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3586" data-original-width="5379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8ISVQVfU1td4StPWzKDbXw3LsBIB1Nf7cSJLEBgcc2m7mt8d4LsvfAw6e2DgkXHN0AaKeTd_2zcewur0raXoemQZo171GiTjgpXvwvvvgm384DIKMi4X4bueeZtSCaUge5BpqnzHNJXodsZsSik5LnoNkBybSyM1NJ0yJdItB8-iRU_gO1iLd7z0fvg/s16000/i1634.jpg" /></a></div><i>Over 51,000 fans took in FC Seoul's home opener last weekend with Jesse Lingard stepping out onto the Sangam pitch for the first time. Hundreds welcomed him at Incheon Airport and his replica shirts are flying off the shelf. This level of support is something that hasn't gone unnoticed.</i><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><p>Jesse Lingard lauded the support that he and FC Seoul were given on Sunday when he made his home debut. A K League record paid attendance of 51,670 watched the former Manchester United, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest star step out onto the Sangam pitch for the first time. If it wasn't already clear to him that many of those fans were there to see him, Lingard had it spelled out to him in the post-Gyeongin Derby press conference.</p><p>"The support was amazing today if we can keep that up throughout the season, of course, that'd be amazing. The more fans, the better, the more energy it gives us on the pitch to perform. So, I would say the more the better but it's down to us then to perform and get a win for the fans as well." </p><p>In the build-up to last Sunday's match, FC Seoul, recognising that demand would be very high, set up a special makeshift Lingard shop where fans who wanted to buy the name and number printing sets with 10 LINGARD [린가드] could do so. </p><p>Some fans had, according to The Athletic, queued up for four hours to get their hands on one. Lining up patiently in what was a fairly chilly Seoul afternoon, seemed to sum up the Lingard mania that has hit South Korea since the moment he arrived in the country.</p><p>Lingard only found out about the 'Lingard Zone' on the day of the game but is well aware of the love that has been sent his way so far.</p><p>"I was aware only just before the game, to be honest. I got told about it. I didn't know people were queuing up for four hours. But since I've been here, since I landed, the first day, the support and the fans at the airport, have all made me feel welcome.</p><p>"From the people that at training to the people at the hotel where I stay, the love and support has been amazing. It only gives you confidence when you step on the pitch in front of all them fans, you want to do well for them not just yourself, but you got to give them confidence and give them energy, as well as [how] they give me."</p><p>"I'd love to meet every fan and sign every fan's t-shirt. The love has been top, and like I say, I can only give back on the pitch and do well on the pitch."</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">More from Jesse Lingard</h4><p><a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/jesse-lingard-rues-missed-chance-during.html" target="_blank">Jesse Lingard rues missed chance during home debut but pass was "perfect"</a><br /><a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/lingard-says-he-has-settled-in-really.html" target="_blank">Lingard says he has settled in "really quickly" at FC Seoul</a></p><div><div><a href="https://www.patreon.com/KLeagueUnited" target="_blank"><img alt="KLU Patreon" height="90" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sH7BV1v02h0/XnhiXtGer5I/AAAAAAAAAfw/GFat3NW6Xj0S10dGT5Wcz-fXQgV9ug-XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Patreon.png" title="K League United Patreon" width="720" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><b>Listen to the full post-match press conference on the K League United Podcast <i><a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/klupod-jesse-lingards-home-debut.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Matchday Sketch: Jesse Lingard's Home Debut</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="369" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yn4qtDNkUec" title="📽 Matchday Sketch: Jesse Lingard's Home FC Seoul Debut [린가드 홈데뷔 현장분위기]" width="656"></iframe>Paul Neathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559646419889975199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-90730664664311047982024-03-14T19:00:00.001+09:002024-03-14T19:41:27.753+09:00Daejeon Hana Citizen vs. Gangwon FC Preview: Home win a must for Daejeon<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoKG5KKsJbEgWF7-N7nX6XRo-J2bRcMIUFSPZEG9YC-WQs9eIBvRn0_5-qfd7wsNpw2-qXargCmcEe3y0_7ncqarQnmVagMLakfuzxmcFnWB13yIbv2hv86Xxy0Zf2iTxel7C7hmaAA_Zke7DcdXhtsaaJu7gynJ4segFFcghfU65pvv2jq_gUtl9cVc/s5684/f83049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3789" data-original-width="5684" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoKG5KKsJbEgWF7-N7nX6XRo-J2bRcMIUFSPZEG9YC-WQs9eIBvRn0_5-qfd7wsNpw2-qXargCmcEe3y0_7ncqarQnmVagMLakfuzxmcFnWB13yIbv2hv86Xxy0Zf2iTxel7C7hmaAA_Zke7DcdXhtsaaJu7gynJ4segFFcghfU65pvv2jq_gUtl9cVc/s16000/f83049.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><i>Two teams without a win thus far this season meet on Saturday when Daejeon Hana Citizen host Gangwon FC in their 2024 home opener. After a disappointing result and performance last week away to Jeju, Lee Min-sung will be expecting a reaction from his players.</i></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Overview & Match Information</h4><div><b>Fixture</b>: Daejeon Hana Citizen vs. Gangwon FC</div><div><div><b>Competition</b>: 2024 Hana Bank K League 1 Round 3</div><div><b>Venue</b>: Daejeon World Cup Stadium</div><div><b>Date</b>: Saturday 16th March 2024, 14:00 KST</div></div><div><b>Streaming</b>: <a href="https://tv.kleague.com/en-int/livestream/daejeon-citizen-fc-gangwon-fc/1719256" target="_blank">K League TV</a> (International), <a href="https://www.coupangplay.com/titles?titleId=a68cde92-1d0b-4303-a348-ba81b8f4f00b&type=LIVE&availability=&live=true&channel=&rowId=&trackId=&src=&sourceType=&supportLive=" target="_blank">Coupang Play</a> (Korea only)</div><div><br /></div><div>Just over 12 months ago, Daejeon Hana Citizen got their season up and running with a home win over Gangwon FC. This year, they'll be hoping to do the same, even if it is three rounds later than 2023. Jeju United away in Round 2 proved to be a bit of a disaster for Daejeon, losing 3-1 with two first-half penalties gifting Jeju a 2-0 lead at the break. Daejeon, then, head into Saturday's clash in search of their first win of the campaign, but it's a home opener and Daejeon are expected to have a big crowd there. After a poor performance against Jeju, the fans will want to see a team that says befitting of ACL qualification, as has been the talk all winter.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">What needs to improve</h4><div>Daejeon lost all composure against Jeju. Passing was frantic and the Purples struggled to find a rhythm. Lee Min-sung spoke about how the match was lost in midfield, and so there could be a change in personnel. Ju Se-jong came on to try and get Daejeon ticking in that regard. Six out of his seven attempted forward passes found another Daejeon player, compared to two of five attempted by the player he replaced, Lee Soon-min. </div><div><br /></div><div>The general lack of composure led to two penalties being given away. The first penalty was perhaps a bit unlucky with Aaron Calver adjudged to have handled the ball in the box, the second was needless though. In the fourth minute of five added at the end of the first half, Jeju look to break into the box through but Lee Soon-min has his hands all over Han Jong-mu goes down. It is soft, but it's clumsy. Daejeon need to be mentally tougher but Lee Min-sung has opted for the first-year professional Kim Han-seo and Kim Jun-beom in midfield; very little grit and guile. A rethought central midfield selection should be Lee Min-sung's first task ahead of the visit of Gangwon.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Reasons to be optimistic</h4><div>The Jeju match could have gone in Daejeon's favour had they had either a bit more luck or composure in front of goal. Kim In-gyun's high press and chasing down of goalkeeper Kim Dong-jun very nearly led to a goal six minutes in. A millimetre or two to the right and the blocked clearance cannons back of Kim In-gyun and in. Then Gutek, latching on to a great ball through from Kang Yoon-seong, seems to be in two minds before attempting to shoot despite being one-on-one with the 'keeper. Had he shown the level of composure he did against Jeonbuk and Daejeon would've been ahead with 24 minutes on the clock. Lee Chang-geun came to the rescue on a couple of occasions before that but the point stands that Daejeon really ought to have scored.</div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't until the second half that Daejeon began to show a bit more attacking impetus. Leandro's direct nature helped the Purples get up the pitch quickly and the link-up play with debutant Farley Rosa was encouraging. Three of four dribbles Leandro attempted were successful and five touches in the box in 51 minutes was a good return. Daejeon will need to be on the front foot against Gangwon, and Leandro has a decent record against them - one goal and three assists in two matches.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Team News</h4><div>Daejeon will be without <b>Anton Kryvotsyuk</b> through injury, the centre back is expected back after the international break. Captain and central midfielder <b>Lee Soon-min</b> is a minor doubt after picking up an injury that forced him off early into the second half against Jeju. Former Togo international striker <b>Peniel Mlapa</b> could be involved if his visa is issued in time, but only off the bench having not played since May last year. Left back <b>Park Jin-seong</b> is said to be back in contention.</div><div><br /></div><div>For Gangwon, <b>Marko Tuci</b> has been given a retrospective ban for two matches after being adjudged to have used his elbow against a Gwangju player in the Bears' 4-2 loss to Gwangju last week.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">There's history</h4><div>Daejeon have a bit of history with Gangwon. There's the 2021 playoff loss but that was avenged on the opening day of last year. Later in the season, though, a 1-1 draw away to Gangwon meant that the Purples were mathematically unable to finish in the top six. Then post-split, Gangwon beat Daejeon to basically seal survival. It was the only game Citizen lost post-split. The fixture perhaps can't be described as a rivalry, but Daejeon will certainly have a bit of extra motivation to beat Gangwon. Overall, there have been 30 meetings with Daejeon winning 15, Gangwon 10, and only five draws.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">What to watch</h4><div><i>How the teams attempt to create chances</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Gangwon have the highest xG value in the division so far this season at 4.30. Daejeon's, for comparison, is at 1.55. The Bears have attempted the most shots with 33, Daejeon the third-fewest with 15. For accuracy, though, Gangwon are fourth-bottom with 33.3%, and Daejeon are second with 53.3%. Gangwon, then, are much more willing to shoot on site of goal whereas Daejeon are a little more reluctant but have been more accurate with the few chances they have created. The two teams might need to meet somewhere in the middle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Vladislavs Gutkovskis (Gutek) sits fourth in K League 1 for total shots so far, while Gangwon's Lee Sang-heon is third. Yang Min-hyuk, who last week became the youngest K League goal scorer at just 17 years of age, is Gangwon's most accurate shooter with 50% of all shots finding the target. Gutek is Daejeon's most accurate shooter at 33.33%</div>Paul Neathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559646419889975199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-46670407893982101932024-03-14T11:00:00.013+09:002024-03-14T11:00:00.245+09:00Lingard says he has settled in "really quickly" at FC Seoul<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7a3BF42-tN7McWvdDJ7Eal9oYQr9POyYNQdWiMwIys5Q4W0OxkOM3EWkNHmJK7zQ5UbeWuviASMQRhuiN7HBxZvxwN4P8uDq4uNyqybLdQfGhxli-QXEhrNgKzzEAl86KBgUgsXDW1iJKb_1UXYVzni_ChNDUvL5vRYIUAkxbI35JG8ImGJind6ZFVg/s5741/c77667.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3827" data-original-width="5741" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7a3BF42-tN7McWvdDJ7Eal9oYQr9POyYNQdWiMwIys5Q4W0OxkOM3EWkNHmJK7zQ5UbeWuviASMQRhuiN7HBxZvxwN4P8uDq4uNyqybLdQfGhxli-QXEhrNgKzzEAl86KBgUgsXDW1iJKb_1UXYVzni_ChNDUvL5vRYIUAkxbI35JG8ImGJind6ZFVg/s16000/c77667.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><i>Jesse Lingard says he's settled in at FC Seoul much faster than he expected and that K League's quick and physical style suits him.</i><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Jesse Lingard was announced as an FC Seoul player on February 8th. In the space of around a month, the former Manchester United and England star has gone through most of pre-season, and now a couple of league games.</p><p>Speaking to the media following his home debut against Incheon United in Round 2 of the 2024 Hana Bank K League 1 season, Lingard says that he feels settled into his new surroundings.</p><p>"I've settled in really quickly, to be honest, quicker than I thought. I'm always up for a new adventure and trying to learn different things, try different foods, and learn the culture. So that's what I've been doing since settling. The club have helped me sort an apartment out, which I've done, which I'll move in to in mid-March. I've been at the hotel since I've been here.</p><p>"The lads and the staff and the manager have made me feel so welcome and, like I say, the support from the fans since I've arrived has been amazing. So, I'd like to say thank you on that part."</p><p>There's a sense of intrigue about every aspect of Lingard's unlikely and surprise move to South Korea. The media were keen to find out what he thinks about the level of football in K League and, despite having played just over 90 minutes across two matches, was asked about his early impressions.</p><p>"It's competitive. It's physical, which is good. It's quick, which is also good. Two games in, I can see how physical and quick the game is which always suits my style of football. It's just about adapting to certain games.</p><p>"Teams are going to be a lot different in the K League. So, it's just about adapting to that and getting our tactics right to go on and win the game. So, like I say, I've settled in fairly quickly, getting used to the team, getting used to the surroundings. But I feel like I've settled in quick."</p><div><div><a href="https://www.patreon.com/KLeagueUnited" target="_blank"><img alt="KLU Patreon" height="90" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sH7BV1v02h0/XnhiXtGer5I/AAAAAAAAAfw/GFat3NW6Xj0S10dGT5Wcz-fXQgV9ug-XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Patreon.png" title="K League United Patreon" width="720" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><b>Listen to the full post-match press conference on the K League United Podcast <i><a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/klupod-jesse-lingards-home-debut.html" target="_blank">here</a> </i>and watch on YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kax7vF2D3Jw&t=8s&ab_channel=KLeagueUnited" target="_blank"><i>here</i></a>.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Matchday Sketch: Jesse Lingard's Home Debut</b></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="369" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yn4qtDNkUec" title="📽 Matchday Sketch: Jesse Lingard's Home FC Seoul Debut [린가드 홈데뷔 현장분위기]" width="656"></iframe>Paul Neathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559646419889975199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-19739384979987814832024-03-13T19:15:00.009+09:002024-03-13T19:18:06.810+09:00Week 2: Big Review of K League 2<p><i>Seoul E-Land and Chungbuk Cheongju top K League 2 with maximum points from two games after another drama-filled weekend in the second division. Seongnam crashed in their home opener, surprisingly losing to the unfancied Ansan Greeners. Red cards ruined Cheonan's big day, and over 10,000 fans watched Chungnam Asan draw with Bucheon.</i></p><div><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXc2ZO6TKrH7uxrONJirOqoq77sR5ygr1hSP2qJWL29r-7eT1MrQs6rsj0hP4iRfXIqK3auXaRF5iUeZ1iSgS56geKirtl3uVNBcTHiGnTWs1f8TF2RRVNfsLdVSZJGdsPm5D9z7UXJFqHjInrBXJ_CVO8IgrZJnfnKf05z33jibpoNGzQIpgQ84HRu5o0/s6000/d121029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXc2ZO6TKrH7uxrONJirOqoq77sR5ygr1hSP2qJWL29r-7eT1MrQs6rsj0hP4iRfXIqK3auXaRF5iUeZ1iSgS56geKirtl3uVNBcTHiGnTWs1f8TF2RRVNfsLdVSZJGdsPm5D9z7UXJFqHjInrBXJ_CVO8IgrZJnfnKf05z33jibpoNGzQIpgQ84HRu5o0/s16000/d121029.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Gyeongnam 1</b> (<i>Won Ki-jong 30'</i>)</div><div><b>Busan IPark 4 </b>(<i>Kim Chan 39', 46', and 75', Lamas 45+3'</i>) </div><div><br /></div><div>Changwon Football Centre</div><div>7,649</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSn4N-RXIPsVoDMqUcutivbiC5Gt_t_FMkBf57_oNz1WhlRaGXXpYaXZJlaRivMEzz0Qq9jSWNtVi4GLS0g56Nc7f8Uqhh5YqzuMnjFABoP_iqNpl07QIAiPK9ERTwIL8b5gsImG5Xf7XYozGn6P5DE-MdgZ3PhMC8C3DV9t1Qvb3b7SoxLhvXqH4FVFZ/s4682/c78530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3121" data-original-width="4682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSn4N-RXIPsVoDMqUcutivbiC5Gt_t_FMkBf57_oNz1WhlRaGXXpYaXZJlaRivMEzz0Qq9jSWNtVi4GLS0g56Nc7f8Uqhh5YqzuMnjFABoP_iqNpl07QIAiPK9ERTwIL8b5gsImG5Xf7XYozGn6P5DE-MdgZ3PhMC8C3DV9t1Qvb3b7SoxLhvXqH4FVFZ/s16000/c78530.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Busan IPark bounced back from last weekend's surprise defeat by comfortably beating provincial rivals Gyeongnam on Saturday. Kim Chan's hat-trick helped Busan to even out their goal difference despite the three-goal loss to Seoul E-Land in Asiad. This was as comprehensive a 1-4 win as you're likely to see. Busan tore Gyeongnam to shreds, registering a whopping 14 shots on target against a playoff team.</div><div><br /></div><div>Incredibly, Park Jin-sub's side fell behind to Won Ki-jung's third of the season, a penalty on the half-hour after a needless foul in the box. They had three good chances immediately after to equalize before Kim's neat side-foot finish. Lamas converted a penalty on the stroke of halftime to give Busan the lead. The second half was one-way traffic. The damage was restricted to four, but it could have been double that. Busan are back!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[LISTEN: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/klupod-jesse-lingards-home-debut.html">KLU pod featuring Seoul E-Land, AFC, and Jesse Lingard</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jeonnam Dragons 4 </b><i>(Choi Seong-jin 32', Kim Jong-min 59' and 89', Montano 69' )</i></div><div><b>Gimpo FC FC 0</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Gwangyang Football Stadium</div><div>7,295</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXz2JRUI0Ep3eNIXA2vXdHtPQv27SupABvaA9stZJnamn1k1n0Lkip1ERdXbYqVUzDB9kxR_I4-CGt1n1loCzSDZjTXmUPXDECk_7kQqHZg-VDeCFtoPf3XlHrF15RLA-mLI99BHG0HjjbvWg4WR2lKIzZ4O-8u7LanGkMpSH3KX97dcNUPDxkQCMP4IJ/s5472/e18647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXz2JRUI0Ep3eNIXA2vXdHtPQv27SupABvaA9stZJnamn1k1n0Lkip1ERdXbYqVUzDB9kxR_I4-CGt1n1loCzSDZjTXmUPXDECk_7kQqHZg-VDeCFtoPf3XlHrF15RLA-mLI99BHG0HjjbvWg4WR2lKIzZ4O-8u7LanGkMpSH3KX97dcNUPDxkQCMP4IJ/s16000/e18647.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Jeonnam Dragons recovered from their opening day disappointment by putting last season's surprise package, Gimpo FC, to the sword in the second half. It was an unhappy return for former Jeonnam star Leonard Pllana, who lasted just 22 minutes on his return to Gwangyang. With the score still tied at 0-0, Pllana went down with what looked like a groin injury, only minutes after carving out a good opportunity for his side.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gimpo held on until the half-hour but a beautiful cut back from the left found Choi Seong-jin unmarked to tap in. Jeonnam had chances to extend the lead but had to wait until the 60th minute to make the game safe when Montano came off the bench and immediately set up his side's second. The Colombian added a third with 20 minutes to play before Kim Jeong-min scored his second in the dying minutes to cap a brilliant team performance.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Chungnam Asan FC 1</b> <i>(Juninho 71')</i></div><div><b>Bucheon FC 1995 1</b> <i>(Lupeta 62')</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Yi Sun-sin Stadium</div><div>10,022</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IggszkeND_YDingiSZ2Ro9c4lFIfwKMnIWMIJCGi0sOWSsuQB7g4KOl8HfPxgkzRhBOTazh51dO-XGFN6XDoLZ753GXsB_60UcTYIhOvePgPGwyfAuhlGeXGnysWjom1PwLNeWUFLfScpBOmKH9pl54OUfWavtZHMxwMDsiZhHPdPQ6sXhzZA_uRhhVt/s6000/a9302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4002" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IggszkeND_YDingiSZ2Ro9c4lFIfwKMnIWMIJCGi0sOWSsuQB7g4KOl8HfPxgkzRhBOTazh51dO-XGFN6XDoLZ753GXsB_60UcTYIhOvePgPGwyfAuhlGeXGnysWjom1PwLNeWUFLfScpBOmKH9pl54OUfWavtZHMxwMDsiZhHPdPQ6sXhzZA_uRhhVt/s16000/a9302.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After praising the attendance figures on the cold opening weekend at Anyang and Cheongju, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the five-figure number at Asan on Saturday. With only a few hundred away fans making the trip, this represents an enormous figure for a club that lost its opener the previous week. The pitch was in horrendous condition but the Asan jerseys were not. They wore a cracking all-red strip, instead of their traditional yellow. </div><div><br /></div><div>Juninho Rocha registered his first competitive goal for Asan, earning a point for his new team. It was a stunning individual goal with the Brazilian gathering possession on halfway, taking on the entire Bucheon team, and then firing a shot in off the post. Bucheon's Lupeta opened the scoring despite having his spot-kick saved. It is a thing of beauty that happens so rarely; the penalty taker knocking home the rebound after the initial shot was parried by the goalkeeper. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/bucheon-1995-fc-vs-seoul-e-land-can.html">Preview of Bucheon FC 1995 vs. Seoul E-Land</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Seoul E-Land FC 2</b> <i>(Bruno 52', Cho Dong-jae 93')</i></div><div><b>Suwon Samsung Bluewings 1 </b><i>(Jeon Jun-woo 78')</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Mokdong Stadium</div><div>9,123</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tkrLpE8L1UT5BiCvZz62HFqS5c0O6RTPiO_vpCm_uhPP_vFtC3XqjpmIBnuKWFXHSxwUNF7Bc52WZ0v-W6-EchtwWqgMffzrKqkoXlUNBaDWs9kNdatwYGA4T96UaCttl_VtetigUPyn-UXRAB9GmRAKkg3YVBsi3ROnM97QBivk7cqQVWt3vNm-XXTK/s6000/d121022%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tkrLpE8L1UT5BiCvZz62HFqS5c0O6RTPiO_vpCm_uhPP_vFtC3XqjpmIBnuKWFXHSxwUNF7Bc52WZ0v-W6-EchtwWqgMffzrKqkoXlUNBaDWs9kNdatwYGA4T96UaCttl_VtetigUPyn-UXRAB9GmRAKkg3YVBsi3ROnM97QBivk7cqQVWt3vNm-XXTK/s16000/d121022%20(1).jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Arguably the biggest game of the weekend with plenty of interesting subplots. Osmar's home debut for Seoul E-Land, against his former club's bitter rivals. The November meeting with Suwon was Osmar's last appearance for FC Seoul. Added to that, former Suwon FC manager, Kim Do-kyun, is E-Land's new boss. Suwon FC finished joint-bottom with Suwon Samsung but survived on goals scored.</div><div><br /></div><div>This game was settled deep into stoppage time when Cho Dong-jae met a bouncing ball on the edge of the box and fired it into the net, sparking wild scenes inside Mokdong. This game only came to life on 52 minutes when Bruno scrambled home Seoul's opener. Suwon deservedly equalized with 12 minutes to play and looked on course for at least a point until Cho volleyed Seoul to the top of the table. Osmar was majestic, Fejsal Mulic a shadow of the match winner last week.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/report-cho-dong-jaes-injury-time.html">Match report of Seoul E-Land vs. Suwon Samsung</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cheonan City FC 1</b> <i>(Bruno Mota 26')</i></div><div><b>Chungbuk Cheongju FC 2 </b><i>(Lee Kang-han 80', Lee Min-hyung 95')</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Cheonan Stadium</div><div>5,576</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pLT6dWIVc6NJUvP4UlvwmhgAZWjEWjiYGLTyRaUdE_yWOWVirBz_ya4spzJwnB6x7UKuWKRcT5zD9BoScUzir2D_s8EiaWs9Tngb8LggfLEdz3VzscPYpGPd0m-BsFbP6ci9omCyN2p6mMdR7qEb8PD0ek_eIkwEaWHxAYKLqPIw_lBtwRqTLAP876j9/s5472/e18819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pLT6dWIVc6NJUvP4UlvwmhgAZWjEWjiYGLTyRaUdE_yWOWVirBz_ya4spzJwnB6x7UKuWKRcT5zD9BoScUzir2D_s8EiaWs9Tngb8LggfLEdz3VzscPYpGPd0m-BsFbP6ci9omCyN2p6mMdR7qEb8PD0ek_eIkwEaWHxAYKLqPIw_lBtwRqTLAP876j9/s16000/e18819.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The Chungcheon-do rivals arrived in Cheonan joint-top of K League 2 after recording surprise wins on the opening weekend. This was the most K League 2 of games over the weekend with plenty of drama, late twists, and talking points. Having tamed Bucheon the previous weekend, Cheonan were in fine form and deservedly opened the scoring through Bruno Mota's unsavable header midway through the first half.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately for Mota, his day was about to take a dramatic twist. Approaching half-time, the striker was sent off for a stamp on Lee Min-hyeong's ankle. If Mota was unlucky, Paulinho certainly wasn't. He joined his teammate for an early bath after a disgraceful elbow off the ball. Cheonan paid a heavy price. The equalizer came with 10 to play and the winning goal, in the final seconds, was scored by the man who felt the force of Mota's stamp, Lee Min-hyeong.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/from-seoul-to-sunshine-adventures-of.html">Diary of a Seoul E-Land fan abroad</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Seongnam 1 </b><i>(Kim Jeong-hwan 20')</i></div><div><b>Ansan Greeners 3</b> <i>(Kim Jae-sung 3', Roh Kyung-ho 52' and 76')</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Tancheon Stadium</div><div>3,077</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlZDnuuXE0H3SC9Bphgwzv0mEEhHExsyFr8BfXXo3PzFcFW2WP3FkqO4aKOVkd0VN3VNqEI66mA1odSds3hrFd8osODeG8h6_bs1S8Y45Xj6-4n07JOV8tMFY7wuL2mAAFQ5m1R-uJe76BBM53ItwME3_gBIKqr7QV0LHh7YN-dQuVivgzEye59RqX6OZ/s6000/a9335.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4002" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlZDnuuXE0H3SC9Bphgwzv0mEEhHExsyFr8BfXXo3PzFcFW2WP3FkqO4aKOVkd0VN3VNqEI66mA1odSds3hrFd8osODeG8h6_bs1S8Y45Xj6-4n07JOV8tMFY7wuL2mAAFQ5m1R-uJe76BBM53ItwME3_gBIKqr7QV0LHh7YN-dQuVivgzEye59RqX6OZ/s16000/a9335.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Two sides that lost their opening game met in Tancheon on Sunday night and it was Ansan Greeners who defied the odds by claiming all three points. The Wolves were ahead inside three minutes when Kim Jae-sung took advantage of some classic ball-watching at the back by nipping in for this side's first goal. Seongnam were level on 21 minutes and what a brilliant goal it was, too. Jung Won-jin's perfectly weighted ball behind the Ansan defense was met first time by Kim Jeong-hwan who volleyed home from a tight angle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both teams had good opportunities to take a lead into the break but somehow it remained tied. However, seven minutes into the second half, Roh Kyung-ho scored the first of his brace to set up a big win for Ansan. Roh met a weak defensive header to fire into the bottom right corner. The forward found the same corner on 76 minutes with a sublime finish to cap off a great counterattack by the Wolves. He celebrated in front of his fans as Seongnam's players sunk to their knees.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>FC Anyang sat out Round 2.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>Up next...</b></div><div>Cheonan City vs. Seongnam</div><div>Gyeongnam vs. Chungnam Asan</div><div>Bucheon FC 1995 vs. Seoul E-Land</div><div>Busan IPark vs. Gimpo</div><div>Chungbuk Cheongju vs. FC Anyang</div><div>Ansan Greeners vs. Suwon Samsung</div>Andrew Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600453245294542164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-70017549192705896572024-03-13T10:30:00.003+09:002024-03-15T14:06:15.950+09:00Jesse Lingard rues missed chance during home debut but pass was "perfect"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnr5lE0OicFBT3koUhwR2yUPFfUNECzGTMnNNQxc40C4KHyTrkH8MyUKRBcTSSa7wq25sSmf7i9iuwM1k4zDr2i0D1VTjRynwxLV36CTiSGZ0aS7n4t8CAZgEZvMi-54pxlBZnYUwmmgjmd1NDSAdjrIpmv5SJMMc97ftf3fP_1Zh9DgBVj16ovx-O1g/s6000/b107316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnr5lE0OicFBT3koUhwR2yUPFfUNECzGTMnNNQxc40C4KHyTrkH8MyUKRBcTSSa7wq25sSmf7i9iuwM1k4zDr2i0D1VTjRynwxLV36CTiSGZ0aS7n4t8CAZgEZvMi-54pxlBZnYUwmmgjmd1NDSAdjrIpmv5SJMMc97ftf3fP_1Zh9DgBVj16ovx-O1g/s16000/b107316.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><i>Jesse Lingard rues the golden chance he missed in the Gyeongin Derby but says that it won't affect his confidence. The former Manchester United attacking midfielder also says that it's all about mindset and building confidence as a team.</i><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /><div>Around 20 minutes into FC Seoul's home opener against Incheon United on Sunday, Jesse Lingard put on a bright yellow bib and went to warm up. His light run towards the corner flag was greeted with a round of applause from much of the 50,000 who had come to see him make his home debut.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lingard warming up alone - and not doing so with the rest of the substitutes - was a signal that he was about to come on and much earlier than fans might have anticipated. First-half substitutions are common in K League, largely due to managers hooking their youngsters early doors to get around the U22 player rule.</div><div><br /></div><div>But Lee Tae-seok, FC Seoul's first-choice left back, was the U22 player who started on Sunday and was having a solid first 30 minutes, so Lingard coming on wasn't about circumventing the U22 rule.</div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="369" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HxfqWKQRQzg" title="📽 The Moment Jesse Lingard Makes His FC Seoul Home Debut" width="656"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Instead, manager Kim Gi-dong had seen enough and Japanese midfielder Takuya Shigehiro was brought off. It was much earlier than the manager had planned and, likewise, quicker than the player had expected.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Yeah, it was earlier than I predicted, to be honest," said Lingard when asked by <i>K League United</i> in the post-match press conference. "But [Kim Gi-dong] told me to play [number] 10 and try get in between the lines. We did first half, they made it a bit more difficult second half.</div><div><br /></div><div>"It was a bit more compact in the middle, they made us play wide to get the ball in the box but we've got to come up against different teams this season, you know some teams might give you a little bit more space in the middle, some teams unfortunately wide so it's down to us players on the pitch to recognize where the space is going to be and trying to hurt them through that."</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/gyeongin-derby-recap-over-51000-watch.html" target="_blank">51,670 watch Jesse Lingard make FC Seoul home debut</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Lingard managed 22 minutes against Gwangju and 70 against Incheon, slowly getting minutes under his belt. FC Seoul fans will be wondering and hoping that Lingard will soon be able to start games.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm still building. I played six, seven games pre-season - 45 minutes plus. Like I say, I came on a bit earlier than expected today. As a sub, you've got to be ready. Of course, I've not played a full 90 in a very long time. I'm going to fatigue a little bit, I'm going to get tired a little bit. But, the energy is there from the crowd. It kept me going. They're behind us 100%. To see 50,000 people turn up today was amazing support from everyone." </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4zmbA3I6Aei_JiMkbPdUSfAEslPxeDN1WTDvYdqKvKE2-ObF16yNVoBAtKJaT9ccFfVWYMiteqUwyXA7uCUqwZ779faQTRo-0-q2bNgMXEdqpYJh8K4YIrTEKSELtLbeCTG1Wd99-mI38G6R_OhN2XLQpBA3bLsb9g1ySWIlLuSgh3Fv4hul4E2m14w/s5858/b107317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3905" data-original-width="5858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4zmbA3I6Aei_JiMkbPdUSfAEslPxeDN1WTDvYdqKvKE2-ObF16yNVoBAtKJaT9ccFfVWYMiteqUwyXA7uCUqwZ779faQTRo-0-q2bNgMXEdqpYJh8K4YIrTEKSELtLbeCTG1Wd99-mI38G6R_OhN2XLQpBA3bLsb9g1ySWIlLuSgh3Fv4hul4E2m14w/s16000/b107317.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>The moment FC Seoul fans had waited for, a clear look at goal for Lingard, came in the 82nd minute. Kang Seong-jin, also on a sub, had done well to find Lingard on the edge of the box and put it on a plate for him.</div><div><br /></div><div>But Lingard's shot blazed over the bar, leading to him looking down at the turf almost in embarrassment.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>"The ball was perfect. It took a little bobble just as I hit it. Other than that, the run was great, the pass was great and, like I say, it just bobbled up last minute."</div><div><br /></div><div>Lingard cut a frustrated figure at times but, he says, he's not going to get too down.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Maybe that's our luck at the moment but that's not going to get us down. We're still going to be confident and try and get on the ball. You can't let any little mistakes affect how you play. So, um, you know, it'll never get my confidence down. We've gotta keep on going. Now it's about mindset and building confidence as a team."</div></div><div><br /></div><div>FC Seoul take on Jeju United at home this Saturday looking for their first win and goals of the season.</div></div><div><div><br /><a href="https://www.patreon.com/KLeagueUnited" target="_blank"><img alt="KLU Patreon" height="90" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sH7BV1v02h0/XnhiXtGer5I/AAAAAAAAAfw/GFat3NW6Xj0S10dGT5Wcz-fXQgV9ug-XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Patreon.png" title="K League United Patreon" width="720" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><b>Listen to the full post-match press conference on the KLU Podcast <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/klupod-jesse-lingards-home-debut.html" target="_blank">here</a></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>KLU Pod Live</b></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="501" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kax7vF2D3Jw" title="🎙️ #KLUpod LIVE | Jesse Lingard's FC Seoul Debut, Seoul E-Land Vs. Suwon Bluewings & #ACL Recap" width="890"></iframe>Paul Neathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559646419889975199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-31948300778644213732024-03-13T00:45:00.001+09:002024-03-13T00:45:09.485+09:00#KLUpod | Jesse Lingard's Home Debut, Leopards Stun the Bluewings, ACL Reaction & Korea Call Ups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-zdn5CawOyujBm75ntvAmFKK7V-_8KMIKkIf2xbJVLXKTkpnbWyyB37T6sPZd-I6xYP7_elXDrTVQ3N75tDCGhuF-T__eLBT1qVzVQrfR2Jl-yVIZhdueyl3vWb70xBYgSVd4qoN21L6MjBScg4DGqbZOVru-oVaRxJu581bLXolBz8pKrCiZi6tgkQ/s1600/KLUpod%20705%20Wide.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-zdn5CawOyujBm75ntvAmFKK7V-_8KMIKkIf2xbJVLXKTkpnbWyyB37T6sPZd-I6xYP7_elXDrTVQ3N75tDCGhuF-T__eLBT1qVzVQrfR2Jl-yVIZhdueyl3vWb70xBYgSVd4qoN21L6MjBScg4DGqbZOVru-oVaRxJu581bLXolBz8pKrCiZi6tgkQ/s16000/KLUpod%20705%20Wide.png" title="remove_image" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This week's K League United Podcast takes a Seoul-focus as both capital clubs made headlines on Sunday afternoon, with one beating Suwon Samsung Bluewings while the other welcomed over 50,000 to see their new signing Jesse Lingard. We then turn our attention to the AFC Champions League quarterfinals after Ulsan Hyundai defeated Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">K League fans descended on the capital last Sunday as Jesse Lingard look to make his FC Seoul home debut in a GyeongIn Derby against Incheon United while, on the other side of the river, Seoul E-Land played host to Suwon Samsung Bluewings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Matt_Binns" target="_blank">Matthew Binns</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/NeatPaul" target="_blank">Paul Neat</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/2_the_stadium" target="_blank">Andrew Farrell</a> return in the first live recording of the year, initially turning their attentions to Mokdong to discuss the headline act in the K League 2 being the Bluewings trip to the Leopards, with Seoul E-Land winning in dramatic circumstances to propel themselves to the top of the division. We also hear from Osmar and Peter Makrillos in the mixed zone</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">[<b>READ</b>: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/report-cho-dong-jaes-injury-time.html" target="_blank">Seoul E-Land 2-1 Suwon Samsung Bluewings</a>]</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We then cross the Han River to Sangam where a record paid K League attendance saw over 50,000 come out for Incheon United's visit, and to hopefully catch a glimpse of England international Jesse Lingard in the process. We have the press conference in full plus we hear from Incheon United's Matej Jonjic about returning to Incheon, how things have changed and the differences between K League and J.League</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">[<b>READ:</b> <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/gyeongin-derby-recap-over-51000-watch.html" target="_blank">GyeongIn Derby Recap</a>]</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After the break, we move on to continental football to review an all K League encounter in the quarterfinals with both sides hoping to find ways to qualify for both the final 4 and also the 2025 Club World Cup. In the end, Ulsan Hyundai won out against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, progressing through 2-1 on aggregate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">[<b>READ:</b> <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/how-k-leagues-qualification-for-new.html">How K League teams could qualify for the Club World Cup 2025</a>]</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, we have time to give our thoughts on Hwang Sun-hong''s first Korea squad before giving our picks for this week's K League Survivor.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All this and more on the K League Untied Podcast</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Where to Listen</h4><div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/30341028/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/642c44/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes/font-color/FFFFFF" style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Listen to the KLU Pod wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to leave us a review!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-k-league-united-podcast/id1407085504?mt=2">iTunes</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0pwhBpEk6cjulsBET4RxAq">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2tsZWFndWV1bml0ZWQubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M">Google Podcasts</a> | <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-k-league-united-podcast">Stitcher</a> | <a href="http://kleagueunited.libsyn.com/">Libsyn</a> | <a href="http://tun.in/pi5YJ">TuneIn Radio</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Where to Watch</b></h4></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kax7vF2D3Jw?si=sLoaGvGf8rU7XAoU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><div><p><br /></p></div></div><br />K League Unitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826262636740390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-23266933005362670332024-03-12T14:05:00.000+09:002024-03-12T14:56:53.508+09:00From Seoul to Sunshine: The Adventures of a Seoul E-Land Fan Abroad Episode 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxiOm_b5xjteBFguhOkK4TrMWj2o9rmScURaY00lE6tGbrGDizJKkwVwyqrSuyAqi56mLJH8GcPKmQwrB7bxMBcaxKuDKnTnVJ15rQQVzjNbYHHdtcXNCjKqSdnKbu0gsSOT44BKx1M1QAraiR1v-atHkv7sJnUjlsLz3ZRVm0Nc0WWxF9LBsiGyJ2z4u/s4264/d121028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2843" data-original-width="4264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxiOm_b5xjteBFguhOkK4TrMWj2o9rmScURaY00lE6tGbrGDizJKkwVwyqrSuyAqi56mLJH8GcPKmQwrB7bxMBcaxKuDKnTnVJ15rQQVzjNbYHHdtcXNCjKqSdnKbu0gsSOT44BKx1M1QAraiR1v-atHkv7sJnUjlsLz3ZRVm0Nc0WWxF9LBsiGyJ2z4u/s16000/d121028.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><div><i>It was six and a half years that I spent in the land of the morning calm. A journey which started at the tender age of 23 and ended just before I bounced into my 30s. Over those six and a half years, I had been a writer for K League United, following Seoul E-Land in their quest to climb into the K League 1. It was the summer of 2023 when I decided that my time in Korea was up and I needed to move on and in moving on, I ended up in Thailand.</i></div><i><br />
Now you might be wondering or even confused as to why I am being so personal on what is a football news website, well let me fill in the gaps. Following the K League in Korea is very fun and the way the league is set up makes it quite easy to go to a stadium and enjoy yourself. However, I wanted to document what it is like for someone who is not in the country. Someone who still has a deep connection to the league. Someone who still has the same enthusiasm and joy for the weekend fixtures, even though he is no longer in the country. This is not going to be an ego-boosting series, simply just a different take from what I wrote about for many years before. Follow me on what will be the first of a little series where I run down what life is now like away from the K League and especially Seoul E-Land.</i><br />
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<a name='more'></a><h4>
How Did We Get Here?</h4>
As stated before, it was six and a half years I spent in Korea. Most of the time was a great and memorable experience. There was always something to do and no two weekends were ever the same. However, that was the problem, the weekends. I found myself living for those weekends because of the workload from my other jobs during the week. I was burnt out. So, it was a cold morning in November, I remember it well. After an unfair dressing down from someone in management, I decided that my time in Seoul was up. My contract had me working up until the last day of June, which meant I had eight months to really think about the future. So here is what happened. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluLeARIXlZu5r_uvzCZiMBeOvU0gJrzqTVRu98Auu2VKrlD6f1sW8uhEbTOzQBJsHyZ6_NU99YBBAU2VJjGJfymgspefeh8mbtOBepjhnIQLor8e2oGntxPJ-U4buz_WJFmRmoo1OEQlLxOV7inGx1l3_OKLs5_cgDGYd_ONc2GiXCY_PcXP5naUWnHki/s6000/d117729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluLeARIXlZu5r_uvzCZiMBeOvU0gJrzqTVRu98Auu2VKrlD6f1sW8uhEbTOzQBJsHyZ6_NU99YBBAU2VJjGJfymgspefeh8mbtOBepjhnIQLor8e2oGntxPJ-U4buz_WJFmRmoo1OEQlLxOV7inGx1l3_OKLs5_cgDGYd_ONc2GiXCY_PcXP5naUWnHki/s16000/d117729.jpg" /></a></div><br />I decided to take six months off work, starting from that June. I thought that travelling the world would ease my mind and get me back into the Korean work lifestyle, but it did not. After going to America, exploring Southeast Asia, galavanting over Europe, and spending a lot of downtime in Seoul, I realized that Korea had passed me by. So what was next? Well, home was the plan, but fate had other ideas. After spending a month in Thailand, I realized that it was a place I would love to spend more time in. To cut a long story short, I was offered a position in a place which really suited me and then here we are, the Seoul E-Land columnist is now writing from Pattaya, a beach city 150 km from Bangkok. <br />
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<h4>
Leave K League United?</h4>
Well, I didn't really know what I would do, to be honest. At first, I was open to the idea of handing over the Seoul E-Land baton to someone else who would like to have a go at documenting their successes and failures. However, as the off-season progressed and I was no longer in Korea, I found myself having that same amount of excitement for the start of a new season as I did years gone by. This is something I thought I would lose. Also, I find myself having a lot more time now than I did before. So those who have a keen eye may have seen that a lot more Seoul articles have been published so far this year, compared to the year prior. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmiIUWsVXI61hpil7me71IN5HObCpGbS5bC5RLR0BHtoOIL7YNd2ae9eHgklHbp93Yq_TEsAtN6Vi40PVqF_PQqkWNoBC69EcrkrH5xdDtkEIA85EzHHxAvTBfcFRsh3TRGz6LNSSMZyRU9tDukxIX60kCqt4j6H7Gd2gBNkkxELE9mZ0YIFyMmGApk44/s4032/IMG_6499.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmiIUWsVXI61hpil7me71IN5HObCpGbS5bC5RLR0BHtoOIL7YNd2ae9eHgklHbp93Yq_TEsAtN6Vi40PVqF_PQqkWNoBC69EcrkrH5xdDtkEIA85EzHHxAvTBfcFRsh3TRGz6LNSSMZyRU9tDukxIX60kCqt4j6H7Gd2gBNkkxELE9mZ0YIFyMmGApk44/s16000/IMG_6499.JPG" /></a></div><br />I have decided to continue writing for K League United as it's something I've always enjoyed doing. It has also allowed me to express myself. Take this article for example. This hasn't been a spur-of-the-moment piece, it has given blessings to be published. K League United always wants to try something new, so here we are. <br />
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<h4>
Never Far Behind</h4>
So let's fast forward to January 2024. My visa for Thailand has been approved and I am on a plane, ready to start a new chapter in my life. I thought I could avoid everything K League-related for the first few weeks, get my head around the wonders of Thailand and get settled. However, how wrong I was. No more than two days after I arrived in Thailand, so did Seoul E-Land. Of all the places the Leopards could have had a pre-season, it was Bangkok where they decided to go, no more than a two-hour drive from where I now reside. <br /><br />
Unfortunately, K League pre-seasons are not like the ones of Europe and are done behind closed doors, so there was no pre-season scouting for me, but this played on my mind for a while and bedded the seed in my head of thinking about Seoul E-Land once more. <br /><br />
<h4>
So Let's Begin</h4>
Finally, we will actually discuss what this article should be about, and that is supporting Seoul from abroad. First of all, this has been made so much easier thanks to the wonders of <a href="http://tv.kleague.com">K League TV</a>. I have watched several games already on that website and it has never had any issues. So here we are at the first game of the season, and it is a tough one. An away trip down to Busan. So as the Seoul faithful made their way to Busan via KTX, I sat in my condo, looking out at the Gulf of Thailand. I linked up the trusty Mac to the TV and I was ready.
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It was an odd sight, looking at fans shivering in the stadium, long padding and hand warmers being used. I was sitting with the Air con on full blast, trying to cool down. There was no Maxim coffee stick and ramen for me in this one, instead it was a glass of Coca-Cola, filled with copious amounts of ice. So the game kicked off and before I even had time to think, "Maybe if we lose by one or two goals, it won't be so bad" Seoul had the ball in the back of the net. It was Osmar who opened up the goal-scoring account for me in Thailand. Then pushed on 85 minutes of end-to-end K League football before Seoul turned on the magic again. Scoring two more goals and finished the opening game of the season with three points. Nice one!
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<h4>
The Mokdong Miracle</h4>
So Busan was special, a win away from home against a side that always has Seoul's number. However, round 2 would be more of a challenge as they faced off against Suwon Samsung Bluewings. This game crept up on me, to be honest. I had it on the back of my mind until about the Thursday before the game. This is when I started to get messages from both sets of fans.
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It must be known I have a lot of friends who are Seoul fans and a lot who are Suwon. Suwon were the K League 1 team I would go and watch when Seoul were not playing, I never thought they would get relegated! The messages added the importance of the game for me and before you know it, it was Saturday evening and I was recording battle cries and posting them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/redmond1994/?hl=en">Instagram</a>. The importance of the occasion finally got to me and I was ready. <br />
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I say I was ready, the moment I woke up on that Sunday morning, I was a bag of nerves. However, that is football and you can not change that. Seoul managed to hold on and actually play some good football in the first half. I really thought we could get something out of this game and then, we did.
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Bruno Silva, what a man. It was the quick thinking and feet of Ikoba to pass him the ball to blast it into the back of the net and Pattaya erupted. I live on the same floor as someone who is a fan of the Bundesliga as I hear him shouting in German every weekend at one game or another, but I gave his level of volume a run for its money when that goal went in. The best thing is, it wasn't as if it was a lucky goal, Seoul deserved it! I was ecstatic until the old Seoul returned and defensive errors caused Suwon to equalize.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlTQ7faONpGN5Nwoy_rcb23sSAGIwfotNFJCFFIDeM3wZXshJRSRtoOjV6e_pNEGWLJ93jLwZ1kPw0jwPFOn4flIlJF_m0LUSLxEMFGD8WS9Aftix6HIYc0MLa9IXDLTLGFZ-yPD18BGc4GRINf25EssXUC05kX4tJluyK8IItv7M9DHnwDTU4-HjnR0i/s3088/IMG_8464.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlTQ7faONpGN5Nwoy_rcb23sSAGIwfotNFJCFFIDeM3wZXshJRSRtoOjV6e_pNEGWLJ93jLwZ1kPw0jwPFOn4flIlJF_m0LUSLxEMFGD8WS9Aftix6HIYc0MLa9IXDLTLGFZ-yPD18BGc4GRINf25EssXUC05kX4tJluyK8IItv7M9DHnwDTU4-HjnR0i/s16000/IMG_8464.jpg" /></a></div><br />Oh well, I thought. At least we took a point of Suwon who will be going back up this year. You don't even need to look at their team, just look at their fans, they could carry the worse team up a K League ladder. With head in hands, I watched the clock tick down. Injury time came and I honestly believe that Suwon was going to nab it. A claim for handball for Suwon was mentioned but quickly pushed away. I sat and watched as Seoul defended, passing the ball to midfield, moving the ball up the pitch, moving it further up, and further up, and suddenly Cho Dong-jae had the ball in the box and SEOUL JUST SCORED IN THE DYING MINUTES OF THE GAME! I was ecstatic, I haven't seen a Seoul injury-time winner since 2018 and this was special. We have gone and beaten Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the first time of asking. Welcome to the party pal! <br />
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I was surprised the condo security wasn't called for the noise I was making, the shirt I wore almost flew off the 22nd floor where I reside. This was special. What made things better was the fact that this put us on top again. I know it's only early days but there is no greater feeling than seeing your team at the top of the mountain.<br />
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<h4>
On to the Next One</h4>
Well, two games down and two wins, both special games, both putting us top of the table. As for me, I might venture out for the next game. I have been nothing but an armchair supporter these past two weeks and I would like to watch Seoul play outside in the hot Pattaya sun.<br />
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Next up is Bucheon 1995, followed by Daejeon Korail in the Korean Cup. The joy of Seoul being in the K League 2 means no international break for the Leopards. They play every week now until the weekend of April 13th-14th when it is their week to take a break (13 K League 2 teams and all that). If Seoul can continue to play the way they have in the last two games then they will hate the idea of a break from football. Can this team finally give me what I desired for all those years in Korea? Only time will tell.<br />
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</div>Michael Redmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661961448368937479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-8157397234417294522024-03-12T12:09:00.002+09:002024-03-12T14:05:52.082+09:00Bucheon 1995 FC Vs Seoul E-Land - Can Seoul Continue their March to Glory?<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9GIjNSe80Qg5pxBP5_mohKwV64y2I31kBKJojMTt91suiyyQ4HbJmreC19lFbzkInT3nm-Nqv938vkPmxWSRcmgRgc7lcCLbwNkNrtGXrOzOHFrW_M0zQ2LC5_YZ8wLhBYfRSv3Hpn-z8Jj-IwSAJpn4X-pZUQFOF-FuvLWx-0RUg3AO4xlrmbCpw3O7/s5819/d121031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3879" data-original-width="5819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9GIjNSe80Qg5pxBP5_mohKwV64y2I31kBKJojMTt91suiyyQ4HbJmreC19lFbzkInT3nm-Nqv938vkPmxWSRcmgRgc7lcCLbwNkNrtGXrOzOHFrW_M0zQ2LC5_YZ8wLhBYfRSv3Hpn-z8Jj-IwSAJpn4X-pZUQFOF-FuvLWx-0RUg3AO4xlrmbCpw3O7/s16000/d121031.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></i></div><i>Two rounds are already behind us in the 2024 K League 2 and it is smiles all around in the capital. Seoul E-Land have managed to claim all six points so far this year against a strong Busan IPark side, and a determined Suwon Samsung Bluewings outfit. The sun is shining at the moment in Leoul Park, and there is a welcoming breeze that dances through the air, as spring blooms on the peninsula. The question now is, how long can Seoul keep the promotion flower blooming and better yet, keep the fans' dream alive?</i><p></p><i>This week sees the Leopards make the 8km journey out into Gyeonggi-do to face off against Bucheon 1995 FC. A side who are still in the traps at the moment and are not quite off to the races. Two teams who have a long history with one another in both the K League and Korean Cup (FA Cup) and Saturday will add another chapter to that storybook. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/redmond1994/?hl=en">Michael Redmond</a> looks at these two teams who are already on opposite sides of the K League 2 table. </i><br />
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<a name='more'></a><h4>
Match Details </h4><div><b>Match: </b>Bucheon 1995 Vs Seoul E-Land<br /></div><div><b>Date: </b>Saturday, 16th March 2024</div><div><b>Time: </b>4:30PM Seoul, 2PM Bangkok, 7AM Manchester </div><div><b>Venue: </b>Bucheon Stadium, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, Korea </div><div><b>Link: </b><a href="https://tv.kleague.com/en-int/livestream/bucheon-fc-1995-seoul-e-land-fc/1719271">K League TV</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>
<h4>
A Seeing Red Saturday and A Super Match Sunday</h4>
Bucheon 1995 looked to kick off their 2024 K League 2 season in the second round of fixtures. Their opening game of the season saw the Reds humbled 3-1 by Cheonan City. The same Cheonan who managed only five wins last year and sat at the bottom of the table. This was not what was on the cards for the side, so they had to really come into life as they made the trip to face off against Chungnam Asan last weekend.<br /><br />
The game started with an odd sight as it was Chungnam Asan who were playing in the color red, not Bucheon 1995. Bucheon themselves wore their white away uniform. In what was a rather dull first half, most of the fireworks came in the second 45 minutes. Bucheon won a penalty early in the second half, as Asan player Park Byeong-hyun handled the ball when attempting to make a clearance. Lupeta stepped up to take the kick but the initial penalty was saved. However, Asan keeper Shin Song-hoon was unable to keep hold of it and Lupeta tapped in the rebound. Bucheon found themselves ahead for the first time this year. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhq3xcJCfkVawOuekzV5WG06G6ep5eXU_C09DPgcQkl7s12117p5eG8D1K4eA9rnUDaPbKxR7CsjcwefVN0kvsAT4lbvKvb864INvTzt8dENA95Euvgzte6m84AEV9rGQ4o9GFFQd7Flvo38XThCtvsxdbDiejDY10aQNGGyWfh5fSAhsawuMd9BlGkwq/s6000/a9309.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4002" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhq3xcJCfkVawOuekzV5WG06G6ep5eXU_C09DPgcQkl7s12117p5eG8D1K4eA9rnUDaPbKxR7CsjcwefVN0kvsAT4lbvKvb864INvTzt8dENA95Euvgzte6m84AEV9rGQ4o9GFFQd7Flvo38XThCtvsxdbDiejDY10aQNGGyWfh5fSAhsawuMd9BlGkwq/s16000/a9309.jpg" /></a></div><br />It took Asan nine minutes to respond as Juninho Rocha picked up the ball from the halfway line. Bucheon's defence then decided to depart like the Red Sea and Rocha kept on running. The strike from long distance bounced off the post and into the net, another round and another fine goal seen in the K League. For Bucheon however, questions have to be asked of their defending. <br /><br />
The goal must have frustrated Bucheon as when they were approaching the last ten minutes of the game, Choi Byeong-chan was shown a straight red for an elbow on Anderson. See below for your opinions on this one...
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In what was a feisty affair, 23 fouls were committed in this game, seventeen for Asan against six for Bucheon. Neither team could find the winner in the end, but both teams now finally have some points on the board. <br /><br /><b>
Full Time: </b>Chungnam Asan 1-1 Bucheon 1995</div><div><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tlaisiG9yeY" width="320" youtube-src-id="tlaisiG9yeY"></iframe></div><br /><br /></div><div>Seoul were coming into their first home game of the season in a celebratory mood. A 3-0 win over Busan in the round prior was a perfect start for the capital club in their quest for glory. However, smiles may have dropped as they walked out for the kick-off against Suwon Samsung Bluewings. The Leopards were greeted by a sold-out away section. It is common knowledge now that Suwon always travel well and the K League 2 will see a huge bump in attendance numbers due to this. <br /><br />
With that in mind, Seoul had to do their talking on the pitch. Seoul and Suwon were at a stalemate in the first half of the match. No team could get any real chance off and put their side ahead. Suwon might have been shocked by the performance of Seoul as this was the first meeting of the two sides. Seoul however showed no fear against Suwon and threw everything against them. <br /><br />
The major events unfolded in the second half of the game as in the 52nd minute Bruno Silva tapped the ball in from close range. Some quick thinking by American forward Ikoba passed the ball to Bruno during a scramble in the Suwon penalty box. The fans in the home end erupted as they once again saw their team taking down an old K League 1 giant. <br /><br />
Festivities were placed on hold for the Leopards however, as in the 77th minute, disaster struck. The old Seoul E-Land crept in and a calamity goal occurred. A lack of communication between defender Kim Oh-kyu and Yoon Bo-sang saw Jeon Jin-woo poach the ball from the pair and put it in the back of the net. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97W238PM4tf9fJ4rYCPXnvOxjQ6AsVzbc_5YTUbKWygi1Zew_4p5qHSJovp-5eP9-lIShwqguDdceOX64E5sEcpVphhpmmn4A7JT96IWGiMAwG6QKsZMVIBtygXh9tNlDP93EhaA9Va1arhzndRStGxcyWt_gPyeT-uWKhY3KFTuJrywZGGz5kFOuqn22/s4692/d121020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="4692" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97W238PM4tf9fJ4rYCPXnvOxjQ6AsVzbc_5YTUbKWygi1Zew_4p5qHSJovp-5eP9-lIShwqguDdceOX64E5sEcpVphhpmmn4A7JT96IWGiMAwG6QKsZMVIBtygXh9tNlDP93EhaA9Va1arhzndRStGxcyWt_gPyeT-uWKhY3KFTuJrywZGGz5kFOuqn22/s16000/d121020.jpg" /></a></div><br />Seoul however did not drop their heads and continued to fight for the ball. There were claims for a penalty by Suwon in the dying minutes of the game, Kim Oh-kyu again was the culprit. However, this time it was very apparent that it was ball to hand as a close-range shot bounced straight to him. <br /><br />
As the game drew to a close, Seoul had one last chance. The ball kept getting pushed up the pitch, the ball kept going and going and every time the ball bounced, a Seoul player managed to take control of it. That was until Cho Dong-jae decided to take a crack at goal with a sweet volley. The ball blasted into the back of the net and Mokdong was rocking. Seoul won the first-ever K League 2 Super Match in a memorable fashion. <br /><br />
This continues Seoul's perfect start to their quest for glory. Psychologically, it also comes across well as it shows that Seoul now has a team that fights to the death and will never give up. Also, it will drop the heads of the Suwon players who will need to reassess their time in the K League 2, as it is not as easy as they were led to believe.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Full Time: </b>Seoul E-Land 2-1 Suwon Samsung Bluewings</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tDYbhCf8AFY" width="320" youtube-src-id="tDYbhCf8AFY"></iframe></div><br /> <br />
<h4>
Bucheon 1995 Vs Seoul E-Land, A Mixed Affair</h4>
Two teams who have played one another 35 times now in both the K League and the Korean Cup, the two staples of the K League 2 are no strangers to one another. It is Seoul E-Land who have a slight advantage against Bucheon, winning 18 of the 35 encounters, against Bucheon's 10. Seven of those games were draws. With that being said, it is Bucheon who have had the most success over the last couple of years. Bucheon have made the playoffs three times over the last ten campaigns, this is against Seoul E-Land's one. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVEpCfV92ApCPEYR6X4_b8W-97fNNV_C2df0Dn06FbwNmh8kxYxxOY8kDQCd9KGeuocCIXDFHQ3Me9o8jCUADL06q47kw2U-RwAEeC-JBhXB4osK4z-q_9EIHHThMoFl8Fvttrc7olOEhbwQPhnQboqOXc2PNEwhU8hVDXnRd1IvX6Equ3M1qNBeWYpl7/s5321/f66422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3547" data-original-width="5321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVEpCfV92ApCPEYR6X4_b8W-97fNNV_C2df0Dn06FbwNmh8kxYxxOY8kDQCd9KGeuocCIXDFHQ3Me9o8jCUADL06q47kw2U-RwAEeC-JBhXB4osK4z-q_9EIHHThMoFl8Fvttrc7olOEhbwQPhnQboqOXc2PNEwhU8hVDXnRd1IvX6Equ3M1qNBeWYpl7/s16000/f66422.jpg" /></a></div><br />However, Seoul have a 100% record against Bucheon in the Korean Cup with two wins out of two. This includes a 6-0 win last season, Seoul E-Land's highest win margin in their history. Last season saw one Bucheon win against Seoul's two wins.
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<br />Last season, Seoul won the first two games against Bucheon. It was 1-0 away from home and 2-0 in Mokdong, before a 1-0 loss against the Reds in Bucheon Stadium. In what is a fixture where both sets of fans have a passion and enjoyment of football. These two pillars of K League 2 football almost have a slight respect for one another. They both find themselves having great seasons where they almost reach glory, followed by a season where they are fighting against receiving the wooden spoon. Bucheon and Seoul are rather similar outfits in that context.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>[LINK: </b><a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/how-k-leagues-qualification-for-new.html">
How K League's qualification for new Club World Cup works</a><b>]</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<h4>
Rotation, Rotation, Rotation</h4>
It is no secret Kim Do-kyun is a big fan of the five-substitute rule as we have seen the Seoul E-Land boss make all five changes in both games this year. Some may say he has worked it well as in both games, Seoul has scored late goals which were due to a tired defence against a still-hungry Seoul E-Land side.
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Hopefully, the gaffer can mix it up a little bit before other teams start to notice Seoul's style of moving their players around. There was also a bumpy moment in the game against Suwon as Bruno Silva made the gesture to be subbed off in the 75th minute, only for all five subs to have been already used. Luckily for the Leopards, Bruno shaked his knock off and continued the rest of the game.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifksAYpVYlgmlC2U6Z3VxH-Su0qj83tR2dOtLNreMlXaQcHuvY9Aij1_Ni8Hv2tpvcuIcWb0QwWT2zD5Q17a-vYURYCZIpiZ5Em0KGmgD1BIkzfUDNdSzfuzLT6t7lsaGi4kiMGSlZ-3pJkxhe86Gx8kleewxIdjIZuprPPWIu17-iOPvdr4LVeHpm-0L7/s5979/d121007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3986" data-original-width="5979" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifksAYpVYlgmlC2U6Z3VxH-Su0qj83tR2dOtLNreMlXaQcHuvY9Aij1_Ni8Hv2tpvcuIcWb0QwWT2zD5Q17a-vYURYCZIpiZ5Em0KGmgD1BIkzfUDNdSzfuzLT6t7lsaGi4kiMGSlZ-3pJkxhe86Gx8kleewxIdjIZuprPPWIu17-iOPvdr4LVeHpm-0L7/s16000/d121007.jpg" /></a></div><br />Some substitutions were necessary however as Ikoba is still finding his fitness and is playing up to his full potential. With that being said, a note has to be made of his presence on defending corner kicks. His size and stature struck fear into the Suwon players on the weekend and it looks as if Seoul have another leader on their hands. That and his quick thinking to pass the ball to Bruno caused Seoul to go one-up against the Bluewings.
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Seoul have some strength in the squad this year who look to play for the badge. This is what I made a point in the pre-season preview. Seoul needed a team who would fight for one another and by the looks of the game on the weekend, they might just have that.<br />
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<h4>
Can They Keep It Going?</h4>
Let's go back to 2021, it was only three years ago. Seoul E-Land went their first five games of the season undefeated and were sitting at the top of the mountain. I go on record to say that they will at least make the playoffs that season due to the style and structure of football they played. Seoul ended that season joint last and went over ten games without a goal, never mind a win.
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If Seoul can continue this good run that they have started in the K League 2 this year, then hopefully they will not let it go to their head and they can remain focused. Seoul finally have another good team again and fans will hope that they do not squander another chance at promotion. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bucheon will be a tough ask on the weekend, don't let their slow start fool you. When Bucheon turns up, they can beat anyone. Let's just hope the celebrations for their win against Suwon were put on ice on Monday morning in Leoul Park, and preparations were underway for this tie between two cornerstones of the K League 2.<br />
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</div></div>Michael Redmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661961448368937479noreply@blogger.com0South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Sosa-ro, 482 KR37.5024816 126.79888959.1922477638211575 91.6426395 65.812715436178848 161.9551395tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-55584686301239625222024-03-11T20:46:00.004+09:002024-03-11T23:37:20.899+09:00Hwang Sun-hong names 23-man South Korea squad for Thailand qualifiers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5HL1Ixo5SDS5BqG7b2bPh2IOjtN-yLpUezsFwO-YRNEUj5ggDayroPX3XFAyMY0gYrm__bhVx1LG-R17ZI997HgQ3-0hyp8pSG_rHWYFmlodFkRc-k_BFPKIuvaVPHTm2crzZJqn7yLYh456320pfIK5PnSnhN-ukvRkTDZUld3V-rWbGVG1ZjI7bKw/s6000/g89902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5HL1Ixo5SDS5BqG7b2bPh2IOjtN-yLpUezsFwO-YRNEUj5ggDayroPX3XFAyMY0gYrm__bhVx1LG-R17ZI997HgQ3-0hyp8pSG_rHWYFmlodFkRc-k_BFPKIuvaVPHTm2crzZJqn7yLYh456320pfIK5PnSnhN-ukvRkTDZUld3V-rWbGVG1ZjI7bKw/s16000/g89902.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><i>Ulsan HD striker Joo Min-kyu has received his first-ever call-up to the South Korean national team as one of 11 K League players to be named in Hwang Sun-hong's 23-man squad.</i><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><span><br />Including Joo Min-kyu, who receives the call-up aged 33 and 333 days, Ulsan have six players in the squad, while Jeonbuk have just two.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Gwangju FC midfielder Jeong Ho-yeon gets a first call-up.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>Recent Suwon FC signing Kwon Kyung-won returns to the fold, as too Paik Seung-ho, Kim Moon-hwan, Cho Yu-min who were part of Paulo Bento's 2022 World Cup squad but rarely featured for Jurgen Klinsmann.</div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>There's no place in the squad for experienced right back Kim Tae-hwan or central midfielder Lee Soon-min. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Injury to first-choice goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu means that Daejeon Hana Citizen's Lee Chang-geun is given a first call-up since November 2020.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>South Korea face Thailand in back-to-back World Cup qualifiers on March 21st and 26th.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Taeguk Warriors won both their first two qualifiers, beating Singapore 5-0 at home and China 3-0 away in November last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Following the sacking of Jurgen Klinsmann, former Pohang Steelers, FC Seoul and Daejeon Hana Citizen manager and current South Korea U23 head coach Hwang Sun-hong was placed in temporary charge.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><b>Full Squad</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Goalkeepers</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jo Hyeon-woo, Ulsan HD<br />Lee Chang-geun, Daejeon Hana Citizen</b><br />Song Bum-keun, Shonan Bellmare (Japan)<br /><br /></div><div><b>Defenders</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kim Young-gwon, Ulsan HD<br />Kim Jin-su, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors</b><br />Kim Min-jae, Bayern Munich (Germany)<br /><b>Kwon Kyung-won, Suwon FC</b><br />Kim Moon-hwan, Al-Duhail (Qatar)<br /><b>Seol Young-woo, Ulsan HD</b><br />Cho Yu-min, Sharjah FC (UAE)<br /><b>Lee Myung-jae, Ulsan HD</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Midfielders</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Lee Jae-sung, FSV Mainz 05 (Germany)<br />Hwang In-beom, Crvena zvezda (Serbia)<br />Lee Kang-in, Paris Saint-Germain (France)<br />Jeong Woo-yeong, VfB Stuttgart (Germany)<br />Paik Seung-ho, Birmingham City (England)<br />Hong Hyun-seok, Gent (Belgium)<br /><b>Um Won-sang, Ulsan HD <br />Park Jin-seob, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors <br />Jeong Ho-yeon, Gwangju FC</b><br /><br /></div><div><b>Forwards</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Son Heung-min, Tottenham Hotspur (England)<br />Cho Gue-sung, FC Midtjylland (Denmark)<br /><b>Joo Min-kyu, Ulsan HD</b></div></div>Paul Neathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559646419889975199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-242870195659467202024-03-11T20:17:00.004+09:002024-03-12T16:11:34.128+09:00How K League's qualification for new Club World Cup works with Al-Nassr gone<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xl77JfSxh2zhqpeTngFx3Sil3pI7nNgaKu6k5aKLGIDJVOAp0tAZO7LGPC8mlkKTwICnNj7rylL71IhOg46Y2K5Zt84ZmjyYrQEiED4YZJmYq-B0vTp-MIi5XVET9doSwowI8KddvX-UowQPwIqSIhnBq8m1JNbKIjcs2Ja8-lB26AvaChMZRws6t20/s5103/g91655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3402" data-original-width="5103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xl77JfSxh2zhqpeTngFx3Sil3pI7nNgaKu6k5aKLGIDJVOAp0tAZO7LGPC8mlkKTwICnNj7rylL71IhOg46Y2K5Zt84ZmjyYrQEiED4YZJmYq-B0vTp-MIi5XVET9doSwowI8KddvX-UowQPwIqSIhnBq8m1JNbKIjcs2Ja8-lB26AvaChMZRws6t20/s16000/g91655.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><i>Ulsan HD and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors meet on Tuesday in the second leg of their 2023-2024 AFC Champions League quarterfinal with more than just a place in the last four up for grabs. Whoever wins will determine which K League team qualifies for the new FIFA Club World Cup.</i><br />Updated: 12th March 16:11 KST</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Ulsan HD, or simply Ulsan Hyundai as they will be referred to during the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League, face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Tuesday night with a place in the brand new FIFA Club World Cup up for grabs.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Asian Football Confederation has been allocated four spots in the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, with the continental champions from 2021 to 2024 earning a spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the AFC Champions League, however, the winners from 2021 and 2022 - Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia and J.League side Urawa Red Diamonds - have qualified.</div><div><br /></div><div>The remaining two spots had down to Jeonbuk, Ulsan, or Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, and who qualifies will be determined based on AFC club rankings and who wins this season's AFC Champions League.</div><div><br /></div><div>But Al Nassr were knocked out of this season's ACL, losing to Park Yong-woo's current side Al Ain on Monday.</div><div><br /></div><div>This means that it's possible for two K League teams to make it to the Club World Cup.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jeonbuk, due to their superior ranking points, just need to reach the semis of the ACL to qualify for the Club World Cup.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ulsan first need to displace Jeonbuk and will need to earn more ranking points in the semifinals through a win in either leg.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are two scenarios that would lead to Ulsan and Jeonbuk reaching the Club World Cup. First, is if either of them win the current competition as then the other would qualify on ranking points.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other will depend on who the opposition is in the final. If it's against Al-Hilal, who have already qualified, then Jeonbuk and Ulsan will both reach the Club World Cup.</div><div><br /></div><div>There'll be a huge windfall for whichever team makes it as qualification alone will earn each club $54.7 million.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jeonbuk are ranked second in Asia with 80 points while Ulsan are third with 72. Pohang Steelers are also in the top 10, ranking sixth with 56 points, and Daegu FC are 12th with 38.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What is the FIFA Club World Cup?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Officially named Mundial de Clubes FIFA, it will be held every four years with 32 teams. The USA will host the first edition in 2025.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>How qualification works</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Results over the last four seasons are taken into account, starting with the group stage of a region's top continental tournament. Three points are awarded for each win, one for a draw, and three points for progression to the next stage of the tournament.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Allocations</b></div><div><br /></div><div>AFC: 4<br />CAF: 4<br /><div>Concacaf: 4</div><div>CONMEBOL: 6</div><div>OFC: 1</div><div>UEFA: 12</div><div>Host country: 1</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Which teams have qualified?</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>As continental champions</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Manchester City (UEFA, England), Al Ahly SC (CAF, Egypt), Palmeiras (CONMEBOL, Brazil), Flamengo (CONMEBOL, Brazil), Real Madrid (UEFA, Spain), Al Hilal (AFC, Saudi Arabia), Wydad Athletic Club (CAF, Morocco), Chelsea (UEFA, England), Fluminese FC (CONMEBOL, Brazil), Urawa Red Diamonds AFC, (Japan), Club Leon (Concacaf, Mexico), Monterrey (Concacaf, Mexico), Seattle Sounders (Concacaf, USA)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Via ranking</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Bayern Munich (UEFA, Germany), Paris Saint-Germain (UEFA, France), Internazionale (UEFA, Italy), Porto (UEFA, Portugal), Borussia Dortmund (UEFA, Germany), Benfica (UEFA, Portugal), Auckland City (OFC, Aotearoa New Zealand)</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>More information can be found <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifa-rankings/mundial-de-clubes" target="_blank">here</a></b></i></div>Paul Neathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559646419889975199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-21840229910350978002024-03-11T00:31:00.004+09:002024-03-11T23:17:14.452+09:00Recap: A 3-1 Comback Win for Pohang over struggling Daegu FC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi77qKN6KIMB6fTGidT8rlU4eEp3UaKtU1o6WPa6ZjxQzCECFOy2TYE5JyTPHPD7WEtsCRw4zoWvkmJcNHShxF2Tp_bXaATbyC6QMewAD9YN5OdfZgbHD3Vc3dLKLDsHa5UXNXnnAJ0zgbZacaXcPgtSLdfi6OGsyNom20NzXj8ZCrElBkb__pKgNM59X/s5770/g92017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3847" data-original-width="5770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi77qKN6KIMB6fTGidT8rlU4eEp3UaKtU1o6WPa6ZjxQzCECFOy2TYE5JyTPHPD7WEtsCRw4zoWvkmJcNHShxF2Tp_bXaATbyC6QMewAD9YN5OdfZgbHD3Vc3dLKLDsHa5UXNXnnAJ0zgbZacaXcPgtSLdfi6OGsyNom20NzXj8ZCrElBkb__pKgNM59X/s16000/g92017.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Pohang Steelers completed a 3-1 comeback win at home through three second-half goals after they went 1-0 down before the half time in Round 2 of the 2024 Hana 1Q K League 1 season. It was the first win for newly appointed manager Park Tae-ha and his team. </em><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Daegu FC correspondent Muyeol Jung reviewed the game and listened to both managers in the press conference</em><i>.</i></div><div><div><i><span><a name='more'></a></span></i><div><br /></div>
<h4>What happened</h4>
It was a scrappy first 45 minutes where Daegu FC opened the scoring right before half-time through captain Hong Chul's effort. The hosts possessed the most of the ball, trying to break out the defence, but had to see their efforts in vain.</div><div><br /></div><div>The second half saw a different phase of the game. The hosts came out for the second half with the introduction of Yoon Minho and Kim Jongwoo. The changes made immediate impacts on their game. Brazilian forward Jorge provided an assist with a header for Jeon Min-gwang on 48th minute. Not long after that, Pohang took the lead through Kim In-sung, who pounced it after a curling effort from Jorge was palmed away by Daegu goalkeeper Oh Seunghoon. The third goal on 72nd minutes was the pinnacle of the home opener for Pohang. Substitute Kim Jongwoo played a one-two with the brazilian and sent a low curling ball into the back of the net. Afterwards, the visitors pushed hard to get back into the game, but had to fall to a 3-1 defeat at the Steelyards.</div><div><br /></div><div>
<i>Match MVP: Jorge</i><div></div><div><br /></div><p>
</p><h4>Post-match conference</h4>
<i>Daegu FC manager Choi Wonkwon</i><div></div><br /><b>What's your assessment on today's game?</b><div></div><br />
"I think we played okay in the first half, but Pohang were able to maintain their styles at a high level of concentration in the second half where they took the chances. That means we couldn't maintain our cohesion when defending. I'd like to express my congratulations on Pohang's first win". <div></div><br /><b>It was a change between Barcelos and Edgar, but there's an opinion that it should have been Cesinha taken off instead of Barcelos.</b><div></div><br />
"I am aware of that voice from the fans. But football is the result business. I understand why the fans think like that. Barcelos isn't in a bad form, but he didn't prove with the result on the pitch, while Cesinha always pulls off the result on the pitch even if he is in a bad form. So does Edgar. I think those opinions are heard because we didn't get the result and I think we have been giving Barcelos enough time to play. He really needs to make difference on the pitch. Cesinha has no issue with strength to play, although his sharpness level is not as high as it should have been. I don't regret it [the subsitute]".<div></div><br /><b>If we looked back at the goal coceding moments, you must have been disppointed with a defensive reaction.</b><div></div><br />
"We thought a defensive cohesion would be a problem, going into the season as we have a new player coming in. It is important to overcome these kinds of dangerous moments without conceding a goal and playing football, but in that regards, Pohang showed a good level of concentration. Two straight defeats isn't good, but I believe this is a part of the process that we build our team upon. I don't want to make an excuse for lack of budget, or squad depth, but all I want to do is to make sure we prepare well for our next home game". <div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><i>Pohang Steelers manager Park Taeha</i><br /><div></div><br />
<br /><b>What's your thought on the result?</b><div></div><br />
"When we were in desperate need of a win, I am happy that we got the result. We didn't perform well in the first half, but we bounced back in the second half. I'd like to send my gratitude to my boys for getting the result".<div></div><br /><b>What have you done to improve things for Pohang in the second half?</b><div></div><br />
"We were thinking how to play two midfielders (vertically or horizontally). We looked to bring Daegu out of shape, but things didn't go to plan and we made some tweaks at half time in that regards with changes that led to a 3-1 comeback".<div></div><br /><b>In today's win, Yoon Minho and Kim Dongjin played their parts. What does this win mean for Pohang? </b></div><div><br /></div><div>"Regardless of the reason for our exit to ACL, we were in a desperate of a win and I am sure this win would be a springboard for us to take a step forward. The likes of Yoon and Kim would be a good assest for us as I watched them in training session day in and day out".<div></div><br /><b>You must have been under a lot of pressure to get the first win. How would you find this journey so far?</b><div></div><br />
"Well, I spoke to the press before, and I have been through seven straight defeats that lasted over a month when I was in China. Of course, it is nerve-racking. But I'd always like to think in a more relaxing way. Anything could happen in football and a crisis would always strike you even when you are doing well. So you need to learn how to control yourself well and you need to do your best in every game".</div></div>Muyeol Junghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744905187854405311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-75680611977953192572024-03-11T00:07:00.007+09:002024-03-12T18:35:20.067+09:00Gyeongin Derby Recap: Over 51,000 watch FC Seoul 0-0 Incheon United<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERsiZbt9yVsO1Vv6UdOoFiApPv8bbWMWte-G7aixxvbxrUO5jZJF-187-0QTtUbKRskumrc62yasjWmkW7G6vFSbODKguGYpTGYw6lKh2qscXAoMVuTACqj5_4Bv9nO9hyphenhyphenHXX1L25aKk8Ks8h6-kBCm9EIvlFVPPH9FPYIv8aQCcSI-DZkLaKspW1Ojk/s5858/b107317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3905" data-original-width="5858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERsiZbt9yVsO1Vv6UdOoFiApPv8bbWMWte-G7aixxvbxrUO5jZJF-187-0QTtUbKRskumrc62yasjWmkW7G6vFSbODKguGYpTGYw6lKh2qscXAoMVuTACqj5_4Bv9nO9hyphenhyphenHXX1L25aKk8Ks8h6-kBCm9EIvlFVPPH9FPYIv8aQCcSI-DZkLaKspW1Ojk/s16000/b107317.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><div><i>A record paid attendance of over 51,000 watched FC Seoul and Incheon United play out a 0-0 draw, despite the first-half introduction of Jesse Lingard. </i><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><div>After a lacklustre display away to Gwangju in Round 1, FC Seoul boss Kim Gi-dong made five changes to his starting lineup. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Debuts were given to Kang Sang-woo and Takuya Shigehiro while Stanislav Iljutecnko was given the nod to start after a solid 45 against Gwangju, Lim Sang-hyub came in for Cho Young-wook on the left wing, and Lee Tae-seok took over from Kim Jin-ya at left back. Choi Cheol-won kept his place in goal despite an error that led to Gwangju's first goal.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/news-fc-seoul-set-new-paid-k-league.html" target="_blank">New paid attendance record set in Gyeongin Derby</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse Lingard came off the bench in the first half with FC Seoul manager Kim Gi-dong seemingly not impressed with what his team had produced in the first 30 minutes. Japanese midfielder Takuya Shigehiro, making his debut after joining on loan from Nagoya Grampus, was hooked after a less-than-solid display in the centre of the park.</div><div><br /></div><div>The occasion, with UK media outlets the Daily Mail and The Athletic sending representatives, was more about the home debut of Jesse Lingard than it was about local bragging rights in ever-fiesty Gyeongin Derby, or two teams trying to bounce back from opening day defeats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seoul were set up in a 4-2-3-1 with Shigehiro in alongside Ki Sung-yeung as the two central midfielders. The Japanese failed to impose himself on the game and, when it became clear that Lingard was going to come on, it was only ever going to be the on-loan Nagoya Grampus midfielder who was going to be sacrificed. </div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HxfqWKQRQzg" title="📽 The Moment Jesse Lingard Makes His FC Seoul Home Debut" width="928"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Deployed from the initially left wing with Aleksandar Paločević dropping in as a defensive midfielder, Lingard almost played Kang Sang-woo in for an assist with a delightful through-ball but Incheon goalkeeper Lee Bum-soo made himself big and kept Seoul at bay.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seoul looked much more incisive with Lingard on the pitch. But against Gwangju and the first five or 10 minutes that he was on the pitch against Incheon were perhaps something of an introduction to K League referees. </div><div><br /></div><div>He will perhaps have felt like he should have had a couple of free kicks but the referee wasn't interested, or he allowed advantage to be played but didn't caution or give the Incheon offender a talking to on one particular occasion.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the second half, Seoul's shape looked more like a 4-4-2 with Lingard as a striker. Seoul, though, found it hard to get around the visitors and Lingard was often quite deep and suffocated with four or five Incheon players around him.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwcWHZziZnJuz76DO5zsA0v2kpaNcistV5ZFWK14Ng3TTPCBJGj0t1VfkMN6d1HM05i7An79WRpkAuVJ4fFh1D1ml3RnPsMR2I95q66VnI_JhsIwQ0D0ZO77Eb1oJOn3iui4BQpUY9tYGyUCtk1DQ9Ye-XTQsGeEhKQxJIO_JfFX8nOxUHR3kRL6xBWk/s6000/b107316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwcWHZziZnJuz76DO5zsA0v2kpaNcistV5ZFWK14Ng3TTPCBJGj0t1VfkMN6d1HM05i7An79WRpkAuVJ4fFh1D1ml3RnPsMR2I95q66VnI_JhsIwQ0D0ZO77Eb1oJOn3iui4BQpUY9tYGyUCtk1DQ9Ye-XTQsGeEhKQxJIO_JfFX8nOxUHR3kRL6xBWk/s16000/b107316.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>He appeared to look frustrated at times and dropping deep was Lingard trying to get on the ball and influence the game.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seoul lacked any natural width; no one was willing to get to the byline and get across in, which was a waste of Iljutcenko's presence and aerial ability.</div><div><br /></div><div>Choi Jun tried to rectify, that, though when coming on after 77 minutes in place of Lee Tae-seok. His very first contribution was to get a teasing cross in towards the penalty spot but the stars just didn't align and the score remained 0-0.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lingard's golden opportunity to score came in the 83rd minute, Seoul on the counterattack down the right through Kang Seong-jin who cut inside and teed up the former England international. His right-footed shot went over the bar, though, with Lingard looking down at the turf to offer an explanation as to why that went over.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seoul won a free kick a minute or so later. Paločević took it and tried to feed Lingard around the corner but the latter didn't telegraph the pass and Incheon had a chance to regroup.</div><div><br /></div><div>A similar incident followed in the 88th minute with Lingard on the ball in the 10 position. He tried to feed in Kim Sin-jin who'd come on to replace Iljutcenko but the pass was a bit over hit and Kim didn't have the pace to keep the ball in play. It seemed to sum up FC Seoul. They just weren't clicking and it looks as though it will take time before Kim Gi-dong is able to get this team playing the way he wants. Likewise, Lingard will need time to adjust to his new teammates and vice versa.</div><div><br /></div><div>It had all started to get a bit desperate at this point. Seoul hadn't performed well but at least there was a sense of urgency, attacking towards their main core support behind the goal in the south stand.</div><div><br /></div><div>The fans had largely been onside so far but at that point, with Kim Sin-jin giving up in trying to stop the ball from going out, the fans showed their frustration and boos began to ring out.</div><div><br /></div><div>With over 51,000 at Sangam, the atmosphere felt different. There was an expectancy and a sense of hope when Seoul broke forward. Such as when Kang Seong-jin found Lingard with a diagonal from deep in the 95th minute the Englishman looked clean through but Incheon were just able to recover in time and force the ball out for a throw.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dithering from Kim Sin-jin and Kang Seong-jin was the last action of the match and the first Gyeongin Derby of the season ended 0-0. Both FC Seoul and Incheon United will head into Round 3 next week looking for, not only their first win of the season but also their first goals. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Post-match Press Conference Highlights</h4><div><b>FC Seoul Manager Kim Gi-dong</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Overall comments</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div>"If you take all the important points into account, whether that be Incheon or us, we're the most disappointed. It would have been good for us to win with lots of supporters coming to watch, so for that I'm sorry to the fans. [The performance] was better than Round 1 (vs Gwangju), but we still have a long way to go. While I think our flow was better from the start and when making some changes, in the second half the flow of the game went to the opposition and our play was a bit up and down. Moving forward we need to adjust that. We lost, then we drew, and now in Round 3 we'll prepare with the anticipation that we'll win."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>On the boos after the final whistle</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div>"Of course, at home fans what a good performance and the points but we didn't give them that. I completely understand. We'll get ready [for the next game] so we can satisfy [them]."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>On the team still having a lot of possession at the back</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div>"There were a lot of circumstances that couldn't be helped. The opposition likes to drop deep and counterattack counter so I made a point of trying to go through the middle but we got got hit on the counter. We tried to find good positions. This was a point that I demanded from the players. So when the opposition dropped deep we did that to try and draw them out."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>On no goals from two games</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div>"Even if that wasn't the case, this is something that the coaches have been talking about. Goals aren't coming, even though we've worked on it so that's a pity. We're going to have a think about what we can do in training so goals and wins come."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>On apparent tactical deficiencies</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div>"Because we haven't won, anything I say will just sound like excuses. It's fine if we win but in these kinds of situations, it's just an excuse. We need to try and improve."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>On how he'd assess his full backs</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought about how we could use players with certain characteristics like Lee Tae-seok and Park Dong-jin. Later on, Choi Jun came on and even though it was his first game after signing for us, he carried out his role well. Later on, even when Gerso switched positions, he did well in my eyes."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>On Lingard playing more minutes</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div>"We were trying to get a hold of the flow of the game but it was with Incheon and so we needed a change. He was brought on quicker than we planned. In the first half he helped with our flow, in the second half I think he felt a bit fatigued. There were some chances to shoot on the counterattack. Because it was difficult for him physically, some things didn't quite pan out but I think things will get better."</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Jesse Lingard</h4><div>On his early appearance off the bench:</div><div><br /></div><div><div>"Yeah, it was earlier than I predicted, to be honest. But he told me to play 10 and try get in between the lines. We did first half, they made it a bit more difficult second half.</div><div><br /></div><div>"It was a bit more compact in the middle, they made us play wide to get the ball in the box but we've got to come up against different teams this season, you know some teams might give you a little bit more space in the middle, some teams unfortunately wide so it's down to us players on the pitch to recognize where the space is going to be and trying to hurt them through that."</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://www.patreon.com/KLeagueUnited" target="_blank"><img alt="KLU Patreon" height="90" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sH7BV1v02h0/XnhiXtGer5I/AAAAAAAAAfw/GFat3NW6Xj0S10dGT5Wcz-fXQgV9ug-XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Patreon.png" title="K League United Patreon" width="720" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><b>Listen to the full press conference on KLU Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/jesse-lingard-100094216" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">here</a></b></div><div><b>Mixed Zone: Incheon United's Matej Jonjić: <i><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/mixed-zone-matej-100094321" target="_blank">here</a></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Starting Lineups</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>FC Seoul</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>21 Choi Cheol-won, 50 Park Dong-jin, 3 Kwon Wan-kyu, 30 Kim Ju-sung, 88 Lee Tae-seok (16 Choi Jun 79'), 6 Ki Sung-yeung (captain), 55 Takuya Shigehiro (10 Lingard 30'), 11 Kang Seong-jin, 26 Aleksandar Paločević, 7 Lim Sang-hyub (32 Choi Young-wook 64'), 90 Stanislav Iljutcenko (9 Kim Sin-jin 79')</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Unused substitutes</b>: 1 Baek Jong-beom, 14 Rebin Sulaka, 29 Ryu Jae-moon, 66 Han Seung-gyu</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Incheon United</b></div><div><br /></div><div>25 Lee Bum-soo, 3 Kim Yeon-soo, 82 Matej Jonjić, 4 Oh Ban-suk, 37 Hong Shi-hoo, 5 Lee Myung-joo, 40 Paul-José M'Poku, 23 Jung Dong-yun, 77 Park Seung-ho, 9 Stefan Mugoša (11 Gerso Fernandes 68'), 26 Kim Seong-min (18 Cheon Seong-hoon 81')</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Unused substitutes</b>: 1 Min Seong-jun, 2 Kim Geon-hee, 14 Choi Woo-jin, 21 Baek Min-gyu, 22 Ji Eon-hak, 33 Kim Hyun-seo, 47 Kim Dong-min</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Attendance</b>: 51,670</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Gyeongin Derby Matchday Sketch</h4><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yn4qtDNkUec" title="📽 Matchday Sketch: Jesse Lingard's Home FC Seoul Debut [린가드 홈데뷔 현장분위기]" width="928"></iframe>Paul Neathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559646419889975199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-3877885641064102632024-03-10T19:46:00.004+09:002024-03-11T23:17:32.364+09:00Report: Cho Dong-jae's injury time screamer sends Seoul E-Land top<div style="text-align: left;"><i>The Mokdong Revolution continues after Seoul E-Land followed up last week's beating of title joint-favorites Busan IPark by defeating Suwon Samsung Bluewings in injury time. Cho Dong-jae's volley in added-on time won a game that appeared to be going Suwon's way.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxt6bWpEhuR_HBDB-co1b8Egfhrgcimr9MZ0KoUvKlWSqi0ilt7Nfcb-5CWITm9wvu1B7oAUaH4gWJoNtmjTGVKRljw6WaZAdR7vvR4GFvDrhnQT8CBTeJmBR2Fggvj088SVkPNuFw854s8-AQU1e03qZ9V9rMsdO7t7rX06juC54YM8b_Rjy7B1V1dLUj/s4692/d121020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="4692" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxt6bWpEhuR_HBDB-co1b8Egfhrgcimr9MZ0KoUvKlWSqi0ilt7Nfcb-5CWITm9wvu1B7oAUaH4gWJoNtmjTGVKRljw6WaZAdR7vvR4GFvDrhnQT8CBTeJmBR2Fggvj088SVkPNuFw854s8-AQU1e03qZ9V9rMsdO7t7rX06juC54YM8b_Rjy7B1V1dLUj/s16000/d121020.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Seoul E-Land are top of K League 2 tonight after recording back-to-back victories over two of the league's strongest teams. In truth, they were somewhat fortunate to claim all three points after withstanding heavy second-half pressure from Suwon Samsung. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But the goal that won the game was worthy of winning any match, and it sparked wild celebrations inside the ground. Something is brewing under the guidance of former Suwon FC boss Kim Do-kyun. Seoul E-Land could be the most exciting watch of the year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For Suwon, back to the drawing board. They were terrible until falling behind in the 52nd minute. Yeom Ki-hun's changes made a difference but probably came too late. After equalizing with 10 minutes to play, Suwon should have gone on to win the game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But they didn't and now they understand the harsh reality of their demotion. K League 2 teams will not be rolling out the red carpet for one of Korea's powerhouses. </div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Team News</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Seoul E-Land made four changes to the team that shocked the league by winning 3-0 at last season's runners-up, Busan IPark. Cho Dongjae, Lee Injae, Kim Young-wook, and Jang Seok-hoon got the chance to start the big home opener against the Bluewings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Suwon Samsung manager Yeom Ki-hun kept faith with the same starting XI that battled past Chungnam Asan FC a week previously, except Jo Yoon-sung, who was suspended following a red on his debut. Park Daewon took Yoon's place at the back, having been involved in 31 games last season. Kim Ju-chan remained on the bench. There's still no sign of Maxwell Acosty and Kozuka Kazuki for the visitors.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">First half</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite the big win in Busan last week, the home team were happy to allow Suwon to dominate possession and territory. Chances in the first quarter were few and far between - the closest a long-range specialty from Fejsal Mulić that just didn't dip in time - but the highlight was the battle between Mulić and Osmar.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Osmar, a legend across the Han in Sangnam, joined Seoul E-Land in the winter, adding a huge amount of experience to the E-Land squad. His last appearance in the black and red of Seoul was, incidentally, in defeat to the Bluewings, where he was also sent off. The pre-match graphic showed Osmar in the centre of a three-man midfield but the Spaniard was tasked with marking Mulić, and he certainly prevailed in the early exchanges.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKfmBZJ9IAuwhvmcLoO1NsWvz9P_jShN9A8_AnS9YOIHQvLqY3X2yiMLqeRHWI7SrI1jD12vdbYj9fYTdIYJYsd4uOeTOOTxETTlp7r3A_NxcXSC-DuDiT9_2PEjMruu2nW8yteAxH4V7pxh9qj4YTaCD2XptIM-a_D7gCys-H6yNFa50bkgTh-kjK_qO/s6000/d121022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKfmBZJ9IAuwhvmcLoO1NsWvz9P_jShN9A8_AnS9YOIHQvLqY3X2yiMLqeRHWI7SrI1jD12vdbYj9fYTdIYJYsd4uOeTOOTxETTlp7r3A_NxcXSC-DuDiT9_2PEjMruu2nW8yteAxH4V7pxh9qj4YTaCD2XptIM-a_D7gCys-H6yNFa50bkgTh-kjK_qO/s16000/d121022.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Approaching the 20th minute, Suwon's Park Sang-hyuk was stretched off after a collision on halfway. Kim Ju-chan replaced the number 8 and took up a position on the left of a front three, with Jeon Jun-woo slipping back to vacate the space left by Park.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The most exciting moment of the half came seven minutes from the break when a good old-fashioned scrap near the far touchline led to Peter Makrillos picking up a yellow for shoving Suwon's Lee Jong-sung. The fallout saw most of the 22 players get involved. Handbags? Makrillos admitted in the mixed zone afterward that Lee has a reputation but didn't elaborate further.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In first half added on time, Suwon's Jeon Jun-woo headed over from six yards, just moments before another potential flashpoint developed in front of the home dugout. Suwon's Jang Ho-ik clattered into Makrillos, who stayed down. Lee Jong-sung hadn't forgotten their earlier scuffle, accusing Makrillos of playacting. Osmar took exception to Lee's accusation, but the row, much like the game, fizzled out quickly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Second half</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Seoul E-Land made two changes at half time but Yeom Ki-hun resisted altering with his side. The result was Suwon started very slowly, content with slow build-up play and little urgency. Despite that, it was still a surprise that E-Land took the lead on 52 minutes. Much like Suwon, the home team had offered very little in attack but a goal-mouth scramble saw the ball drop perfectly for Bruno Silva, who smashed home from six yards.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The concession sparked some life into Suwon, who responded with a couple of half chances. After Mulić was hacked down on halfway, second-half substitute Jeong Jae-young was shown a yellow card. The visitors responded to the tackle by crowding around the aggressor, calling for a card. Responding to tackles was the only real fight in the away team to that point.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Watching Osmar dominating Mulić and Suwon was a thing of beauty in the second half. Osmar was flawless. The 35-year-old was first to every ball inside the box and never looked remotely close to breaking a sweat as he comfortably dealt with Suwon's admittedly blunt attack.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Manager Yeom began to ring the changes in the desperate search for an equalizer. Mulić was replaced by Kim Hyun on 74 minutes, having come off easily second best in his box office duel with Osmar. Kim Hyun, a winter recruit from Suwon FC, made his league debut for the visitors. His impact was almost immediate but Suwon were unable to covert their own goal-mouth scramble. The pressure was mounting but the deserved response came from absolutely nothing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A hopeful ball into the box evaded everyone, including the near-perfect Osmar, to drop into Jeon Jun-woo's lap. The young forward did well to scoop his shot home first time with his left foot to send the away end, and dugout, into raptures. Seoul were hanging on but relief came from the game's third flashpoint. Defender Han Ho-gang was booked for trying to slap the ball goalwards from an offside position.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As the clock ticked down, the noise from behind the goals grew louder and Seoul struggled to stay afloat. It was corner after corner for the visitors.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But, as is often the case, the winning goal went to the team on the ropes. Within seconds of the referee waving away Suwon's vociferous penalty claims, Cho Dong-jae settled a fiery encounter with an outstanding left-footed volley from the edge of the box. Jo smacked it first time into the same corner Bruno opened the scoring, tearing off in wild jubilation. Scenes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-VOgHsgJ759GWpG-Ky6MMod9LtTh8EC91oR5jynQubiN8tX3VpVLOmr_RaJQ27b7BFJGxqzU0ntBP_nz9ZKXGvVH3wnnF15b-6GGyotoGnSMtbA1PFP2pPTqoRubb0ABca24mNIMbV-IRV0XnOAR9AVq3tp4cpr2dXa-gB8FF2Nsd3KyKT4SmyRTLcNf/s4264/d121028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2843" data-original-width="4264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-VOgHsgJ759GWpG-Ky6MMod9LtTh8EC91oR5jynQubiN8tX3VpVLOmr_RaJQ27b7BFJGxqzU0ntBP_nz9ZKXGvVH3wnnF15b-6GGyotoGnSMtbA1PFP2pPTqoRubb0ABca24mNIMbV-IRV0XnOAR9AVq3tp4cpr2dXa-gB8FF2Nsd3KyKT4SmyRTLcNf/s16000/d121028.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And that was that. Suwon's first trip of the season ended in a loss. Defeat snatched from the jaws of a draw.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">The fans</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As expected, and something we'll undoubtedly see often throughout the season, Suwon fans traveled in massive numbers. An hour or so before kick-off, there were just three seats available behind the goal. They brought their collection of flags and rattled through their playlist from ninety minutes before the start.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But the day belongs to Seoul E-Land, their players, and fans. The noise that greeted the winning goal was frightening. They hung around for over an hour afterward to meet their new hero, Osmar. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LVCQRmNKpLbpKbbsLlkzrBup-SHznKYna4HJ3q88INnyajS2wAaNmdapAK5IK8Mc2vvGYj_xg4wQN5HJPcoVgVhh__e-rwm10phDEKq1YujJh4-ZOd6hOyL8RBB6G7j31SM4M7CCzrFNf18d5XtIvxYZnHCMohw13O_NAG3F0lVqnvpmkys7DxJNkB00/s4000/20240310_171311.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LVCQRmNKpLbpKbbsLlkzrBup-SHznKYna4HJ3q88INnyajS2wAaNmdapAK5IK8Mc2vvGYj_xg4wQN5HJPcoVgVhh__e-rwm10phDEKq1YujJh4-ZOd6hOyL8RBB6G7j31SM4M7CCzrFNf18d5XtIvxYZnHCMohw13O_NAG3F0lVqnvpmkys7DxJNkB00/s16000/20240310_171311.jpg" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Osmar meets his adoring new fans after Sunday's victory against Suwon Samsung. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Up next</h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h4><div style="text-align: left;">Seoul E-Land are on the road next Saturday, making the shortest trip of their season to Bucheon FC 1995.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Bluewings, meanwhile, also have a short away day to contend with. Their destination is Wa~ Stadium to face Ansan Greeners.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Best player:</b> Osmar</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Attendance:</b> 9,123</div>Andrew Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600453245294542164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-8346160914810653582024-03-10T17:29:00.005+09:002024-03-11T23:19:00.128+09:00News: FC Seoul set new paid K League attendance record<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6K4aY1KoDStnOjzOapLKh7V1YJNT8OUjVZLLNGpHSI8m9lhP1zrHKyP92iNjRFK49aoh2EZe5UbY_xAeeCQIRyyog93_R5GtYF0Fosdj8fg4e_7yz4NdetVaPquUt08BhHKE7UxbLWsL7gZyM1kJkZC7K1JOOcFWjanSJ5G9OGNDQhZSus2WZrbG9N98/s1382/KakaoTalk_20240310_171328104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6K4aY1KoDStnOjzOapLKh7V1YJNT8OUjVZLLNGpHSI8m9lhP1zrHKyP92iNjRFK49aoh2EZe5UbY_xAeeCQIRyyog93_R5GtYF0Fosdj8fg4e_7yz4NdetVaPquUt08BhHKE7UxbLWsL7gZyM1kJkZC7K1JOOcFWjanSJ5G9OGNDQhZSus2WZrbG9N98/s16000/KakaoTalk_20240310_171328104.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><i>A total of 51,670 spectators in attendance for FC Seoul versus Incheon United in Round 2 of the 2024 Hana Bank K League season is a new paid attendance record.</i><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>The figure is also FC Seoul's largest for a home opener, the previous record was set in 2013 at 39,871 by Daegu FC at home to Jeonnam Dragons.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since K League began counting paid attendances only in its official figures in 2018, the record was 45,007 set by FC Seoul against Daegu FC in April last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>The bumper crowd was in part thanks to a half-time performance from popular singer Lim Young-woong.</div><div><br /></div><div>This time, however, it's - at least in part - down to the Jesse Lingard effect.</div><div><br /></div><div>FC Seoul announced on Thursday that as of 4 PM, 33,000 tickets had been sold. By 3 PM the following day, the figure had reached 37,000. </div><div><br /></div><div>By 3 PM Friday, an FC Seoul member of staff was quoted by <a href="https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01279206638821352&mediaCodeNo=258" target="_blank">E-Daily</a> as saying that ticket sales were stronger compared to when Lim Young-woong visited and noted that on that day too, many people bought tickets on the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's also another packed away end. Incheon brought over 3,300 to Seoul World Cup Stadium when the two teams met in Round 1 last year. This year, the upper tier has been opened up for an allocation of around 4,500. </div><div><br /></div><div>Seoul World Cup Stadium has a maximum capacity of 66,000 but for K League games, not all seats are open for ticket purchase.</div><div><br /></div><div>The record K League attendance is 60,747 - set on Children's Day 2010 when FC Seoul took on Seongnam FC.</div><div><br /></div><div>K League attendances had been recovering pre-pandemic, showing signs of a return to its late 2000s heyday. In 2019, a record 1.82 million fans went to the 228 matches in K League 1 alone, but once stadium restrictions were fully lifted in 2023, the league broke its record again. </div><div><br /></div><div>By September last year, <a href="https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230916002300320" target="_blank">1.83 million</a> fans had flocked to watch 176 games. By the end of the campaign, 3.01 million fans attended games in K League 1 and K League 2, beating the combined record of 2.36 million from 2019.</div><div><br /></div><div>By division, K League 1 set a new record of 2.4 million and K League 2, also a new record, had around 564,000.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naturally, record attendance meant <a href="https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240104007200315#:~:text=Those%20numbers%20were%20helped%20by,them%20their%20own%20division%20records." target="_blank">record revenue</a> with a touch over 33.8 billion Korean (US$25.8 million). The previous record was 19.5 billion won in 2019.</div><div><br /></div><div>FC Seoul raked in the most money through gate receipts at 5.7 billion Korean won, with Ulsan HD in second at 4.3.</div><div><br /></div>Paul Neathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559646419889975199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-17854930457816635932024-03-09T15:58:00.004+09:002024-03-09T15:58:38.772+09:00Preview: FC Seoul vs. Incheon United - Both teams look to bounce back in local derby<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G8g7Ov9fGu1fzYdbW7x15QA3DbX2Bl-kCDbdf3kCX9WZ861Cy7pZzXIH2G_ixe_V1KpolP4E1em68EcLNhB-mghZh64M-xkLqmmK54FamXnAfOPy0jDOhIHuol9aPzZU3GE2kSEePOicMbUgKFLjQO3z4sygEN1xbwoyFl0ztw-xaXStMWqHoXn0zzk/s7553/a8036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5038" data-original-width="7553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G8g7Ov9fGu1fzYdbW7x15QA3DbX2Bl-kCDbdf3kCX9WZ861Cy7pZzXIH2G_ixe_V1KpolP4E1em68EcLNhB-mghZh64M-xkLqmmK54FamXnAfOPy0jDOhIHuol9aPzZU3GE2kSEePOicMbUgKFLjQO3z4sygEN1xbwoyFl0ztw-xaXStMWqHoXn0zzk/s16000/a8036.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div></div><i>With a huge crowd expected for FC Seoul's first game since the signing of Jesse Lingard, local rivals Incheon United come to town looking to spoil the party. Both teams lost on the opening weekend, so each will have a point to prove in front of an anticipated 40,000 fans.<br /></i>
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<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcI67ruvudKrlYdpWss770CG0Y57CbBYE2vxl9er78EpetoCSp8lHSytB3Uimlxht8brmyXWj7a74rUsu2XPt2poYVWOq8kdvjlN3gW3Jk90ChLOT0wec-BAUF543zZUKU9iz07yARtfCJ2nEYK3DeoPp1cgpz2yJJfP8xIoVxoSln3Y768Tn2bBp0wkA/s4943/c77694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3295" data-original-width="4943" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcI67ruvudKrlYdpWss770CG0Y57CbBYE2vxl9er78EpetoCSp8lHSytB3Uimlxht8brmyXWj7a74rUsu2XPt2poYVWOq8kdvjlN3gW3Jk90ChLOT0wec-BAUF543zZUKU9iz07yARtfCJ2nEYK3DeoPp1cgpz2yJJfP8xIoVxoSln3Y768Tn2bBp0wkA/s16000/c77694.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4>
Recent Form</h4><div><div>Last weekend, Seoul kicked off the season in front of a sold-out crowd at Gwangju FC. With Lingard-mania in the air, fans were excited at the prospect of the former Manchester United man making his debut. Despite this, it was the home side who took control of the game and emerged as deserved winners. A long-range effort by Lee Heekyun in the first half and a smart back-post finish from Gabriel Tigrao deep into injury time secured the victory for Gwangju.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for Lingard? He managed his first 15 minutes of competitive football since May last year, much to the delight of the crowd. However, his cameo appearance failed to impact the outcome of the match. His most notable contribution was picking up a yellow card for a rash tackle on the halfway line. Whether he'll be chosen to start this weekend or come off the bench again remains to be seen. One would expect that the fans in attendance will be anticipating a stronger performance from Seoul this weekend.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NqLa49hHKh0?si=jG6SZpEa69mCDDTJ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[Read:<a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/jesse-lingard-makes-fc-seoul-debut-in-2.html" target="_blank"> Jesse Lingard makes FC Seoul debut</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Elsewhere, Incheon United also started their season with a defeat. The crowd of 15,060 at Sungui Arena turned up anticipating a win against the team who survived a relegation play-off last year, but Kim Eunjung's men were well-drilled and didn't offer as much space or time on the ball as the Suwon of last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite Incheon controlling most of the game, Suwon FC ran out 1-0 winners thanks to their first shot on target. The penalty, given in the last minute of the game, was gladly slotted home by Lee Seungwoo. Incheon looked lacklustre and sluggish in midfield, and were missing the outlet that Hernandes offered last season. The Durumi will have to up their game if they are to get anything this weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CTMweNIGMnM?si=GnO1XCzUjBxPfqPB" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />[LISTEN:</b><a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/klupod-opening-weekend-review-2024.html" target="_blank"> #KLUpod | Opening Weekend Review 2024</a><b>]</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div>
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What to Watch</h4>For neutrals heading to the game, this is sure to be a spectacle. With Seoul averaging 22,493 fans last season, this game could attract twice as many as fans flock to catch a glimpse of Jesse Lingard. Whether this is a one-off event or an ongoing phenomenon, the atmosphere at the game is sure to be electric.</div><div><br /></div><div>From a Seoul point of view, having more eyes on the product on the field will inevitably lead to greater expectations. After suffering an opening day defeat, a local derby presents the ideal opportunity to kick-start their season. During the off-season, the club strengthened their squad by adding Choi Jun, Ryu Jaemoon, and Rebin Sulaka to their ranks. Additionally, the trio of Han Seunggyu, the evergreen Ki Sungyueng, and Aleksandar Palocevic possess the ability to trouble Incheon, especially if we consider last week's performance against them.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Incheon will hope to play the role of party-poopers. An almost 4,000-strong group of away fans is expected at Seoul World Cup Stadium this weekend, with the visitors completely selling out their lower-tier allocation. The fans will make the thirty-kilometre trip hoping for a better showing from their team. However, with Kim Dohyeok, Moon Jihwan, and Shin Jinho still not fully fit, and Kim Boseop recovering from surgery on a broken ankle, coach Jo Sunghwan might have to rely on Incheon's youngsters again to try and make the difference.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-6c0oPeMJdl8ukxHWySI9YHw2seEOc39Z3c7sNWgIezwKzjQKUao7Yraty5rG2u9Plu1_E3oSxm_GkFEGho75nowpcGAbiBNhaetvpP370xkADwxr_RAiThURyZ2Nj73XVdwHJ0tLjz9mrYhU7QsHK7dU5yUSzZnMhqTMBb17XY8DBSyTZR3uUMg6fY/s7771/a8029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5183" data-original-width="7771" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-6c0oPeMJdl8ukxHWySI9YHw2seEOc39Z3c7sNWgIezwKzjQKUao7Yraty5rG2u9Plu1_E3oSxm_GkFEGho75nowpcGAbiBNhaetvpP370xkADwxr_RAiThURyZ2Nj73XVdwHJ0tLjz9mrYhU7QsHK7dU5yUSzZnMhqTMBb17XY8DBSyTZR3uUMg6fY/s16000/a8029.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Who to Watch</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><div>While much of the chat around the game will be on Jesse Lingard - whether he starts or not - games between Seoul and Incheon are often characterized by their midfield battles. For that reason, the performance of Ki Sungyueng will likely dictate how well Seoul play and whether Incheon can get anything out of the game.</div><div><br /></div><div>Amidst last week's poor performance, Ki was still the best player on the pitch for Seoul and has long controlled the tempo and style of their play. Additionally, with his experience playing in front of large crowds both overseas and for the national team, one would expect him not to be fazed by the turnout or get caught up in the moment.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[Read:</b><a href="http://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/fc-seoul-need-to-perform-in-front-of.html" target="_blank"> FC Seoul need to perform in front of bumper Gyeongin Derby crowd</a><b>]</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Head to Head</h4><div><div>Looking at the last ten meetings between the sides, Seoul has won 2 of the last ten games, while Incheon managed four victories. Of the four draws, only one has been scoreless. Across the six victories for either team, half have been away wins.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last season, each team won once: Seoul won 2-1 at home on the opening day, before the clubs drew 1-1 in June in Incheon, and the Blue-Black picked up a 1-0 away win in an eventful game in July last year.</div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPcln0AVKGdbxog8p1eYgkmr9Z45Gr-wKuovLkLu0C-A3FQbdWttEf-uU5muzP1fa-4DLPny2_fdTZWWWLtcWrqRF6Wp-cxhqHfZ8uVKiGekRqTs5D-Ift9f_OKvMnzxms-uY7T7hEkvOeCcjPSOfcXjSH0hOfiC9TMK_LTH5e8NdwERaaWDNZiZG4aA/s2765/a8038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="2765" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPcln0AVKGdbxog8p1eYgkmr9Z45Gr-wKuovLkLu0C-A3FQbdWttEf-uU5muzP1fa-4DLPny2_fdTZWWWLtcWrqRF6Wp-cxhqHfZ8uVKiGekRqTs5D-Ift9f_OKvMnzxms-uY7T7hEkvOeCcjPSOfcXjSH0hOfiC9TMK_LTH5e8NdwERaaWDNZiZG4aA/s16000/a8038.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Where to Watch</h4>The games will be available to stream online at <a href="https://tv.kleague.com/en-int/livestream/fc-seoul-incheon-united/1719217" target="_blank">K League TV</a> outside of Korea, and in all the usual places inside. The game takes place on Sunday 10th March and kicks off at 16:00 KST.</div><p></p><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/KLeagueUnited" target="_blank"><img alt="KLU Patreon" height="90" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sH7BV1v02h0/XnhiXtGer5I/AAAAAAAAAfw/GFat3NW6Xj0S10dGT5Wcz-fXQgV9ug-XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Patreon.png" title="K League United Patreon" width="720" /></a>
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</div>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842974159685668790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-39345203330312794272024-03-08T16:30:00.006+09:002024-03-08T16:30:00.128+09:00FC Seoul need to perform in front of bumper Gyeongin Derby crowd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iHxHyA9wA_Vp9YhYveUypoDRMmZaBwqWY4n608V8wYNFlUaxZbdyQn1f-z-ueuAXvK5N3hpM2SJih-7B7uY0pz3UtheDnWqKfcPvi_6c3mYYAYk_Ak_LgxkHIfl6Q2EYf1qSO9PFXAJ10KNe3nHKdXoDGptwvTF1ddNYJw5VKyshzGhz7zgCmpXmVE0/s5778/c77697.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3852" data-original-width="5778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iHxHyA9wA_Vp9YhYveUypoDRMmZaBwqWY4n608V8wYNFlUaxZbdyQn1f-z-ueuAXvK5N3hpM2SJih-7B7uY0pz3UtheDnWqKfcPvi_6c3mYYAYk_Ak_LgxkHIfl6Q2EYf1qSO9PFXAJ10KNe3nHKdXoDGptwvTF1ddNYJw5VKyshzGhz7zgCmpXmVE0/s16000/c77697.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><div><i>Defeat away to Gwangju FC in Round 1 means that FC Seoul head into Sunday's Gyeongin Derby with Incheon United - their home opener - looking for their first points of the new campaign.</i></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps more importantly, though, with an expected - and likely a very expectant - crowd of 40,000 plus, FC Seoul need to put in a performance. The performance against Gwangju FC was disappointing. Fans in the Instagram comments were suggesting that it might have been An Ik-soo in disguise, not the highly-rated and much sought-after Kim Gi-dong in the dugout with Seoul's build-up play ponderous, slow, and laboured. </div><div><br /></div><div>From 10 total shots, only three found the target. None of their five corners resulted in a shot on goal, crossing accuracy was low at 32.14%, and the best chance Seoul created - from a total xG of 0.89 - was Stanislav Iljutcenko's chance in the 91st minute, a header that went just over the bar for an xG of 0.26. Iljutcenko had Seoul's second-best chance a few minutes earlier and surely must be wondering why he didn't start the game.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleague.com/news_view.do?orderBy=seq&viewOption=album&seq=89676" target="_blank">2024 K League 1 Round 2 Preview</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the opening-day loss, there is still a sense of optimism around the club. It's hugely important, then, that FC Seoul capitalise on the increased interest in the team and get the fans, old and new, onside as soon as possible. Both the manager Kim Gi-dong and captain Ki Sung-yeung have said that Sunday's match will be different. </div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking via the club's social media channels on Thursday, manager Kim Gi-dong said:</div><div><br /></div><div>"I too had high expectations for the Gwangju match. The fans will have had high expectations as well. They made the long trip, completely filled up the away end, and gave us a lot of support. We didn't match up to their expectations in the first game but moving forward I'm expecting it to get better. Lots of interest and passionate support will be a big help to the players. Please continue to support us.</div><div><br /></div><div>"We didn't carry out what we had prepared (in the first game) and so I was also embarrassed. We're at home, and we need to win to shake off the last game. We've come together as a group to go over the disappointing aspects and win the match."</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[LISTEN: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/klupod-opening-weekend-review-2024.html" target="_blank">KLUpod | Opening Weekend Review 2024</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Club captain Ki Sung-yueng also spoke:</div><div><br /></div><div>"The manager has just arrived and to play the kind of football the manager wants, the players, the manager all need time to adapt. I know that the fans can't wait for that. Because results are important, we are doing our best to make sure we get them. The players are adapting quickly and taking on board what the manager wants, starting with me.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Thank you to the fans who came to the first match. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the result we wanted and so sorry to those who came all that way. At home, it will be different I think. There'll be more fans giving their passionate support. The players know that they have to do they have to head into the game with a lot more passion than they did in the first match. We're preparing well so that we can get a win for the fans."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Will Lingard play?</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDN3HVVxTOEtoPG7RVVrqlnCGQ2g5_BntcP0kYzzFoaP2zAHq7wR7XIFD48QVKUAXAGUOfvRBZbBrOilEeJCn07QSEBPKSXqRjMmsJ4iKbM5IrG0tptgjPqhT6aNssaJd2JpD-KGBVi9w_w612NMSL3OBqaSIxUBBTXUAmkCJ_g2DU_hVUhEP5kfcTo4/s4943/c77694.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3295" data-original-width="4943" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDN3HVVxTOEtoPG7RVVrqlnCGQ2g5_BntcP0kYzzFoaP2zAHq7wR7XIFD48QVKUAXAGUOfvRBZbBrOilEeJCn07QSEBPKSXqRjMmsJ4iKbM5IrG0tptgjPqhT6aNssaJd2JpD-KGBVi9w_w612NMSL3OBqaSIxUBBTXUAmkCJ_g2DU_hVUhEP5kfcTo4/s16000/c77694.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>FC Seoul normally get good crowds, especially for their home openers, but the box office attraction of Jesse Lingard has certainly added an extra layer of interest. Kim Gi-dong was reluctant to use Lingard away to Gwangju but 1-0 down with 15 minutes to go, he knew that he needed someone who could help him salvage something from the game. Lingard did well when he came on, largely operating from the number 10 position with Palocevic on the right and Lim Sang-hyub on the left.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/jesse-lingard-makes-fc-seoul-debut-in-2.html#google_vignette" target="_blank">Lingard makes FC Seoul debut in 2-0 loss to Gwangju FC</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div>He was on the pitch for 22 minutes in total and completed 17 total actions, 11 of which were successful (65%). He had one shot which went just over but was hit first time from the edge of the box. His passing accuracy was at 82% (9/11), attempted two crosses - both successful - and won both of his offensive duels. He had one touch in the box, won his only attempted recovery in Gwangju's half, and did well in terms of his passes into the final third and the 18-yard box - two from three for the former and two from two with the latter. Lingard is unlikely to start but we may see him a bit earlier than the 76th minute.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>In terms of other team news, Willyan and Choi Jun are both back in training. Both missed the opening-day loss to Gwangju while Kang Sang-woo, who signed on Thursday, could make his debut for the club.</div><div><div><br /><a href="https://www.patreon.com/KLeagueUnited" target="_blank"><img alt="KLU Patreon" height="90" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sH7BV1v02h0/XnhiXtGer5I/AAAAAAAAAfw/GFat3NW6Xj0S10dGT5Wcz-fXQgV9ug-XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Patreon.png" title="K League United Patreon" width="720" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>K League Survivor</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Do you think FC Seoul will avoid defeat this weekend? Or, perhaps another team will? Sign up to K League Survivor on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/k-league-2024-1-99909610" target="_blank">Patreon</a> to enter. The winner will receive a 2024 K League shirt of their choosing.</div>Paul Neathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559646419889975199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-80901341743208877102024-03-08T15:55:00.001+09:002024-03-08T15:55:38.419+09:00Jeonbuk was a free hit, but Daejeon need to beat Jeju <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUBZsvkfSOqt1vnYFBH3Hd8Q8SesKfO-vrJkBb3Xl1y5CmcoAtYnKGhO9cEFBk0Jutozm0kO0bt2im_GFsh_bHKasVEanZoCVG1C5oCqVhXxh91hbL4lRMHh72yLrRW3tfMY5wOE9ziOn59-hM9xHPsa48ryiFLqdO5ScgpzmPEQZmlCKp5FqiyZOiuI/s5825/d119772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3883" data-original-width="5825" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUBZsvkfSOqt1vnYFBH3Hd8Q8SesKfO-vrJkBb3Xl1y5CmcoAtYnKGhO9cEFBk0Jutozm0kO0bt2im_GFsh_bHKasVEanZoCVG1C5oCqVhXxh91hbL4lRMHh72yLrRW3tfMY5wOE9ziOn59-hM9xHPsa48ryiFLqdO5ScgpzmPEQZmlCKp5FqiyZOiuI/s16000/d119772.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><i>Jeonbuk away was a free hit for Daejeon Hana Citizen but the Purples need to beat Jeju United away this Sunday. Daejeon make the short flight to the island looking for their first win of the season but do so having avoided defeat on the opening day, and with a decent recent record against Sunday's hosts.<br /></i><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>A sign of just how lofty Daejeon's aspirations have become was how disappointed they were with the draw away to Jeonbuk on the opening day, that's nine-time K League champions and two-time champions of Asia, Jeonbuk. And, even though Daejeon went unbeaten against Jeonbuk last year, it didn't come much tougher than Jeonju Castle on the opening day. <div><br /></div><div>Daejeon should be proud of how well they played as well. But having led the game from the 11th minute to the 86th, and having hit the crossbar just a couple of minutes before Ahn Hyun-beom buried Jeonbuk's equaliser, it is perhaps understandable that the draw felt like a defeat. But the game was a bit of a free hit.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/k-league-survivor-returns-for-2024-have.html" target="_blank">Have you signed up for Survivor yet?</a>]</b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Jeju United away this Sunday, on the other hand, is a game that Daejeon need to assert themselves in and get a positive result. Lee Min-sung and his team will be using that late Jeonbuk equaliser as motivation.</div><div><br /></div><div>While conducting a TV interview after the 1-1 draw with Jeonbuk, Lee Soon-min spoke of his disappointment. "It's really such a pity. But, we were away, and Jeonbuk are a very good team to take a point from so we'll take some comfort from that and prepare for the next game.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Our aim is the same as how the manager has set. We're a team that has to punch our ticket to Asia, we have to be a leading team in K League."</div><div><br /></div><div>It's no secret that Daejeon Hana Citizen's aim for the 2024 season is to qualify for the AFC Champions League. This level of openness is refreshing; in K League managers can be quite guarded and reluctant to reveal their hand in certain situations. ACL aspirations made public by Lee Min-sing mean an increase in ticket and merchandise sales but it also puts pressure on the team to get off to a good start.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking to the media after the Jeonbuk draw Lee Min-sung said: </div><div><br /></div><div>"To be ahead and then not win the game is a pity, I think. But one point for me to be grateful for is that we came away from home and battled well. We'll look back at the goal we conceded and try to get a result without conceding against Jeju."</div><div><br /></div><div><div>The message was clear. They weren't happy with the draw and the focus has already turned to Jeju.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/03/daejeon-begin-2024-k-league-1-season.html" target="_blank">Daejeon begin 2024 with draw away to Jeonbuk</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div>In isolation, the Jeonbuk draw was a good result but a win over Jeju would signal a good start to the season. Failure to win means that there's an element of pressure when Gangwon FC visit Purple Arena in Round 3.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63EPgDxV7w5p2usuNwB9-HKTwd4woNfMGOBqAiiePLOQ7XECfVjHMVj4Qc36zbAknEt2uFg_vddJdqCk1P7bKYCdCcH9npMJ6Cx14m-srQCpSCFR0w_-iGxAFILDqifHE4wPbpM9j-GgYb16SrQnM4mzr48n5bOo02p2bkrdlTm8GSo9w_Bqe3gl5aw4/s4204/g86681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2803" data-original-width="4204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63EPgDxV7w5p2usuNwB9-HKTwd4woNfMGOBqAiiePLOQ7XECfVjHMVj4Qc36zbAknEt2uFg_vddJdqCk1P7bKYCdCcH9npMJ6Cx14m-srQCpSCFR0w_-iGxAFILDqifHE4wPbpM9j-GgYb16SrQnM4mzr48n5bOo02p2bkrdlTm8GSo9w_Bqe3gl5aw4/s16000/g86681.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daejeon earned two wins and one draw against Jeju last season</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Daejeon will be confident as, although there are a lot of new faces, the Purples enjoyed a decent record against Jeju last year. The two trips to the island yielded four points from six - including the most recent meeting between the two teams (2-0 win, pictured above) - while the two home fixtures saw Daejeon win one and lose one. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last season, Jeju almost got dragged into the relegation battle and lost 17 matches - the third-most in the division. Even with Kim Hak-bum at the helm as a safe pair of hands, Daejeon should - and certainly will be - looking to take all three points this Sunday. </div><div><br /></div><div>What Daejeon will want to do, and perhaps need to this Sunday though, is get on the front foot a bit more. Against Jeonbuk, they managed just seven shots - only Gimicheon, Pohang, and Suwon FC dispatched fewer, this is despite recording the fifth-most touches in the box with 22. Six were from Gutek who ranked third in that regard on opening day.</div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[READ: <a href="https://www.kleague.com/news_view.do?orderBy=seq&viewOption=album&seq=89676" target="_blank">2024 K League 1 Round 2 Preview</a>]</b></div><div><br /></div><div>But Daejeon did make the most of what little chances they did create as they ranked joint-third on opening day for shooting accuracy (42.9%). The Purples will need to make the most of Gutek's aerial presence by getting more crosses into the box. Only five were completed against Jeonbuk, by far the fewest in the division. </div>Paul Neathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559646419889975199noreply@blogger.com033 World cup-ro, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea33.2461852 126.50932444.9359513638211538 91.3530744 61.556419036178845 161.6655744tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-49893261324288008992024-03-08T14:53:00.005+09:002024-03-11T23:18:28.355+09:00K League Survivor Returns for 2024 - Have you signed up yet?<div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqcwQP0KPuOdhnLZDhRGtk6vyPT7ByDYRkSDYlr74r7Sn7W-VCEsVmIQ9NGYX9yMCn8ju4AUSqVHInb5DvHvTyVHzDrJq3QNX_RggCmTniPBy2U78h8t45VL8_mxT6_TR7B2EVI5JT3zy8kzUKZS5GbX7RmD7Y6HyCX4Z5BaZdWfSBXe4_kkdgBRHJ6o/s3254/c77695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2169" data-original-width="3254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqcwQP0KPuOdhnLZDhRGtk6vyPT7ByDYRkSDYlr74r7Sn7W-VCEsVmIQ9NGYX9yMCn8ju4AUSqVHInb5DvHvTyVHzDrJq3QNX_RggCmTniPBy2U78h8t45VL8_mxT6_TR7B2EVI5JT3zy8kzUKZS5GbX7RmD7Y6HyCX4Z5BaZdWfSBXe4_kkdgBRHJ6o/s16000/c77695.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><br />The 2024 edition of K League Survivor is now live! Will former Premier League star Lingard light up Sangam, are Ulsan HD ready, will skies be blue for Daegu? All these questions answered - and many more - could help win you the K League shirt of your choosing.</i></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span></span></o:p></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">What is Survivor?</h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">For the last few years, K League United has been running a <b><u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/KLeagueUnited/posts" target="_blank">Patreon</a></span></u></b>-exclusive competition where you can show your knowledge of K League football. The game is <b><u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white;"><a href="https://twitter.com/k_survivor" target="_blank">Survivor</a></span></u></b>, and is very simple - in theory.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">You start
with three lives, and all you have to do is select a team each week that won't
lose. You can choose any team from K League 1 or K League 2, but you can only
select them once during the course of the competition. If your team loses, you
lose a life. The last player standing is the winner, and the Survivor. Tune into the K League United Podcast every week for the lads' tips and Survivor picks.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b>[LISTEN: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/02/klupod-k-league-1-season-preview-2024.html" target="_blank">#KLUpod | K League 1 Season Preview 2024</a>]</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><h4 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><b>The Prize</b></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This year's prize is a 2024 K League football shirt. The winner will be able to choose a shirt from any K League 1 or K League 2 club (subject to availability), and have it posted directly to them, anywhere in the world.</p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPkstxAoFHmDZhXn5UmoDNjjlbx1QGUbZPxl3Tu0lE3pVXwnpnGv_a4BnDzDpzuOoywNjK9OF_2pOwGTQPLOBnZhyyNsG9SNGMAPpP3yruQ29K06pvbzoCIRlT9AdFeLYpRHgMo-VjztCn0CKDL2WTq4UONV4B6ldLkPVz0vjT8GQ25oY8UUpvGzI4xM/s5719/a8820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3855" data-original-width="5719" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPkstxAoFHmDZhXn5UmoDNjjlbx1QGUbZPxl3Tu0lE3pVXwnpnGv_a4BnDzDpzuOoywNjK9OF_2pOwGTQPLOBnZhyyNsG9SNGMAPpP3yruQ29K06pvbzoCIRlT9AdFeLYpRHgMo-VjztCn0CKDL2WTq4UONV4B6ldLkPVz0vjT8GQ25oY8UUpvGzI4xM/s16000/a8820.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h4 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">How to Enter</h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">If you'd like to enter, head over to the K League United <a href="https://www.patreon.com/KLeagueUnited/posts" target="_blank">Patreon</a> page, and sign up for our $3 tier. The game will start next weekend, with entries accepted through Patreon from Thursday morning each week. You'll have until Saturday at 12 noon Korean time to get your selections in. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b>[Listen: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/02/klupod-k-league-2-season-preview-2024.html" target="_blank">#KLUpod | K League 2 Season Preview 2024</a>]</b></p><h4 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">KLU Patreon - Come for Survivor, stay for the extra content </h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">When signing up for Survivor via Patreon as a K League 2 Champion-tier subscriber, this automatically means access to K League United's extra content. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Mixed zone interview and press conference audio is uploaded to Patreon on match days, there are exclusive podcast segments such as Behind Closed Doors and Short Corners, and there's also other video content that won't be found anywhere else, not to mention articles and stats pieces.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Supporting KLU by becoming a Patron is greatly appreciated as it helps keep the lights on, keeps us heading to K League grounds, doing interviews, and making podcasts.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ6OW5zNVTI5OnEyukVrE45ZsyRgoWF0A34CCeM5UVX6xmrs2JxCnsx7of_rhIrY_WgjN9JAQCdHUKiPITOBZ8EpDHlL2MdFdW8nkUJoi5yf8GmJXGwYZdQhL4gY88A0_Eis4Qi2ts9ZHiOyY72-DAHqsRpPQmPE1MUd2P73qL9g8Hz6ORwTm-g7MfsM/s5449/d108826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3633" data-original-width="5449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ6OW5zNVTI5OnEyukVrE45ZsyRgoWF0A34CCeM5UVX6xmrs2JxCnsx7of_rhIrY_WgjN9JAQCdHUKiPITOBZ8EpDHlL2MdFdW8nkUJoi5yf8GmJXGwYZdQhL4gY88A0_Eis4Qi2ts9ZHiOyY72-DAHqsRpPQmPE1MUd2P73qL9g8Hz6ORwTm-g7MfsM/s16000/d108826.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">If you have any questions contact KLU or the Survivor accounts on <a href="https://twitter.com/k_survivor" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or directly through Patreon!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/KLeagueUnited" target="_blank"><img alt="KLU Patreon" height="90" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sH7BV1v02h0/XnhiXtGer5I/AAAAAAAAAfw/GFat3NW6Xj0S10dGT5Wcz-fXQgV9ug-XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Patreon.png" title="K League United Patreon" width="720" /></a></p>
<br />K League Unitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826262636740390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-38147274446133427622024-03-06T23:41:00.001+09:002024-03-06T23:43:25.573+09:00#KLUpod | Opening Weekend Review 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uQZmkToRrMtr2CEiSdDYNAjCKPq_-RgXDaYWIRhJxBVuDu6befzusR4m3O6MroS3gBm57m5h9Mi2ISbprd0b5PSM4gY0ji49ee2aSISpYH1KRh5c-XtzYUUrxT-QYO9CXwi57QBA2X5lC_Y_KSXfMGlZDGg7z9DWaL0WabFFhcSsU4yLqgjWhrHR-IU/s1600/KLUpod%20704%20%5Bcompressed%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uQZmkToRrMtr2CEiSdDYNAjCKPq_-RgXDaYWIRhJxBVuDu6befzusR4m3O6MroS3gBm57m5h9Mi2ISbprd0b5PSM4gY0ji49ee2aSISpYH1KRh5c-XtzYUUrxT-QYO9CXwi57QBA2X5lC_Y_KSXfMGlZDGg7z9DWaL0WabFFhcSsU4yLqgjWhrHR-IU/s16000/KLUpod%20704%20%5Bcompressed%5D.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Both K League 1 and K League 2 returned last week with crowds out in full force. The K League United Podcast takes a look over all the main action plus some post-match interviews along the way.</i></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;">K League is back, as are <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Binns" target="_blank">Matthew Binns</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/NeatPaul" target="_blank">Paul Neat</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/2_the_stadium" target="_blank">Andrew Farrell</a> in a recap of the opening weekend action. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trio start with a look at Friday's games, with interviews and insight from Jeonju featuring Moon Seon-min and Tiago, plus press conference recordings from Jeonbuk manager Dan Petrescu.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then we move to Gwangju where FC Seoul were in town with England international Jesse Lingard, yet it wasn't enough to stop the home side who were in stellar form, picking up where they left off from last season. We also look at Suwon FC's impressive team performance against Incheon United, while <a href="https://twitter.com/Daegu_freak" target="_blank">Jung Muyeol</a> speaks to Daegu FC's Edgar Silva after a 1-0 defeat to recently promoted Gimcheon Sangmu.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's time to look into some eye-catching results in K League 2 before looking at the main second division draw, recently relegated Korean football giants Suwon Samsung Bluewings at home to Chungnam Asan.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">[<b>READ</b>: <a href="https://www.kleagueunited.com/2024/02/welcome-to-k-league-survivor-2024.html" target="_blank">Welcome to K League Survivor</a>]</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's even time to pick the games to watch in Round 2 as well as the K League Survivor picks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All this and more on The K League United Podcast!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Where to Listen</h4><div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/30254928/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/642c44/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes/font-color/FFFFFF" style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Listen to the KLU Pod wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to leave us a review!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-k-league-united-podcast/id1407085504?mt=2">iTunes</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0pwhBpEk6cjulsBET4RxAq">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2tsZWFndWV1bml0ZWQubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M">Google Podcasts</a> | <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-k-league-united-podcast">Stitcher</a> | <a href="http://kleagueunited.libsyn.com/">Libsyn</a> | <a href="http://tun.in/pi5YJ">TuneIn Radio</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Extended Video Version: <i><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/klu-video-pod-1-99337497" target="_blank">here</a></i></b></div><div><p><br /></p></div></div><br />K League Unitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826262636740390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845056405375957158.post-59330476499220696632024-03-05T12:00:00.062+09:002024-03-09T20:38:45.192+09:00Seoul E-Land Vs Suwon Samsung Bluewings: The Second Tier Super Match <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oDSj2DXK8qUxB75dPk0CBJozRxGi9jfE0YcoajZgKUrXXAXwvCybXv_B6KBg7NddBQclNDJR831JWkQvW5dPyM8tBUKLv5Vh2VebQ8cT0WGRnaS2HmhbKBP8L9Ex171Uyi7ZnwNY5oFrdy030g6ItOhXKZodXQpmT28JFnp_UDoacrBM97kKeANGXY8M/s6000/c77806.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oDSj2DXK8qUxB75dPk0CBJozRxGi9jfE0YcoajZgKUrXXAXwvCybXv_B6KBg7NddBQclNDJR831JWkQvW5dPyM8tBUKLv5Vh2VebQ8cT0WGRnaS2HmhbKBP8L9Ex171Uyi7ZnwNY5oFrdy030g6ItOhXKZodXQpmT28JFnp_UDoacrBM97kKeANGXY8M/s16000/c77806.jpg" title="remove_image" /></a></div><p><i>Once the K League fixtures come out at the end of each winter, FC Seoul and Suwon Samsung Bluewings </i><i>fans eagerly anticipate the dates of one game in particular. The Super match as it has been billed as for many years, is the game between the Bluewings and FC Seoul. A classic, Seoul Vs Suwon neighbour rivalry. A game which has kindled over geographical location, success, and fan passion. </i></p><div><div><div><i>With that being said, something will be missing from the 2024 K League 1. With the Bluewing's shock relegation from the top tier last season, this year, they will be competing in the K League 2. That in turn might mean that the classic FC Seoul Vs Suwon Samsung Bluewings game is no longer available this year. Yet, it is important to note that there is another Seoul team lurking in the K League 2. Will this Sunday be the start of a new rivalry, and a second-tier Super Match as Seoul E-Land welcomes Suwon Samsung Bluewings to Leoul Park? Michael Redmond takes a look at this one. </i></div></div><div><i><br /></i>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h4>
Match Details </h4><div><b>Match: </b>Seoul E-Land Vs Suwon Samsung Bluewings</div><div><b>Date: </b>Sunday, 10th March 2024</div><div><b>Time: </b>2PM Seoul, 12PM Bangkok, 5AM Manchester </div><div><b>Venue: </b>Leoul Park (Mokdong Stadium), Seoul, Korea </div><div><b>Link: </b><a href="https://tv.kleague.com/en-int/livestream/seoul-e-land-fc-suwon-bluewings/1719239">K League TV</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h4>Off To Winning Ways</h4></div></div>
Round 1 saw Suwon welcome Chungnam Asan to the Big Bird in what would be their first season in the K League 2. Regardless of their fall from grace, 14,196 spectators made their way on a cold Saturday afternoon to watch this tie. They were facing Asan, a side who finished 10th in the K League 2 last season and would have loved to have caused an upset in the opening round of the year. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwNjBf3ABwBOMIt1bf7HnPBc77yKS-N0Qx_-2DXPBzldpvPh6_CehinYVQ6hVFkCE6wxe9nomj_0yBIjEDLvq_izqM-PmHihjlisDFtYXa2szGt3P3mJ3Vj0Gm3xr-mV0gNPQqxXiCR4H2KyJH5QF52mH_xHtt6T1k5jLlHpTfadFrUnZAWETgf8yxc5_/s5924/d120333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3949" data-original-width="5924" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwNjBf3ABwBOMIt1bf7HnPBc77yKS-N0Qx_-2DXPBzldpvPh6_CehinYVQ6hVFkCE6wxe9nomj_0yBIjEDLvq_izqM-PmHihjlisDFtYXa2szGt3P3mJ3Vj0Gm3xr-mV0gNPQqxXiCR4H2KyJH5QF52mH_xHtt6T1k5jLlHpTfadFrUnZAWETgf8yxc5_/s16000/d120333.jpg" /></a></div><br />Suwon had other ideas, and it took them 21 minutes to record their first goal in the division. Mulić was the man on the scoresheet. A well-placed cross from Lee Sang-min saw the Serbian stay onside and for the ball to perfectly land to him, tapping it into the net. </div><div><br /></div><div>It looked like it would be a perfect start to life in the second tier for Suwon. However, the first half did come with a setback for the home side. in the 37th minute, Jo Yun-seong, who was an Asan player last year, brought down Juniho Rocha. In what was originally a yellow card, VAR came into play. It was established that Jo Yun-seong was the last man and his booking was upgraded to a straight red. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEBgzCqcjCRQGhGzRV9FbBsLYGKpLrOz9VUQ8frYjlOWjFF8UiwiHLImINd3Z1NMfgwR0wmTUraGTRwIaZCzK7MT31itpRzHBzl0kto3hZyQUi849zbDty8GoEhSGbdFGFRdDU6FLczKWNUCJRN6MyAjT0r2q_Zu222hQC_zhtlUTu33NOu-N5WeX_GQ9/s5401/d120322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3601" data-original-width="5401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEBgzCqcjCRQGhGzRV9FbBsLYGKpLrOz9VUQ8frYjlOWjFF8UiwiHLImINd3Z1NMfgwR0wmTUraGTRwIaZCzK7MT31itpRzHBzl0kto3hZyQUi849zbDty8GoEhSGbdFGFRdDU6FLczKWNUCJRN6MyAjT0r2q_Zu222hQC_zhtlUTu33NOu-N5WeX_GQ9/s16000/d120322.jpg" /></a></div><br />The red card did not seem to upset the Bluewings too much however as in the 5th minute of injury time of the first half, Mulić doubled his goal tally and the lead. In what was an outstanding freekick from a long-range, we may already have a goal-of-the-month contender. </div><div><br /></div><div>The second half saw a slight Asan comeback and they were able to pull one back in the 68th minute. An unmarked Jeong Ma-ho was able to slot the ball into the side netting. This brought a nervy 22 remaining minutes of the game for Suwon, however, they were able to hold on and recorded their first win of what will be many for the side in the K League 2. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Full Time: </b>Suwon Samsung Bluewings 2-1 Chungnam Asan</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ieZffrjbjZI" width="320" youtube-src-id="ieZffrjbjZI"></iframe></div><br /><div>Seoul E-Land started off their season down by the coast as they took on Busan IPark in the first game of the season. In a repeat of the opening game in 2021. Seoul would have been more than happy to repeat the scoreline of that game as they came out 3-0 victors three years before. In a brand new Seoul E-Land set-up, it took the Leopards only five minutes to get onto the scoreline and in true dramatic fashion, it was Osmar with the goal. After 10 seasons at FC Seoul, it took the Spanish defender only minutes to record his first goal for E-Land. </div><div><br /></div><div>Seoul dominated this game and they looked confident in their play. It was reminiscing of the 2020 season when they played with pride and confidence. It looked as if Seoul were well prepared and Busan were still thinking about the misfortune of the season prior. With that being said, Busan had a chance to equalize in the game. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUk-PTBs_UbhdWrMh30L0IahicNhjfbGPyyIgG6lYYdvWv5YunhOluLBvr9MXUadbXzNQ5btezAAEm_2hCseWPuEfzLqdAbsmsHBK9w9Y2h5-xNnAdoMNDzrvtv42ZMUNN0Vgwjtr7dJOCWaSGmNdl22ddENo6sKw6jVOoQ4O9MN_Dg9EE0f-VwOvfDpn/s2979/c77805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1986" data-original-width="2979" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUk-PTBs_UbhdWrMh30L0IahicNhjfbGPyyIgG6lYYdvWv5YunhOluLBvr9MXUadbXzNQ5btezAAEm_2hCseWPuEfzLqdAbsmsHBK9w9Y2h5-xNnAdoMNDzrvtv42ZMUNN0Vgwjtr7dJOCWaSGmNdl22ddENo6sKw6jVOoQ4O9MN_Dg9EE0f-VwOvfDpn/s16000/c77805.jpg" /></a></div><br />In the 80th minute, Park Se-jin was taken down by Lee Dong-ryul in the penalty box. The referee initially pointed to the spot, yet VAR had other plans. It was revealed that Park Se-jin was offside when being fed the ball and the decision was overturned for a freekick to Seoul E-Land. </div><div><br /></div><div>With the final ten minutes now truly underway, Seoul decided to put its foot on the gas once more. With eight minutes of stoppage time, the Leopards had other ideas than to just keep the ball. In the 95th minute, Bruno Silva crossed the ball over to Byeon Gyung-jun who curled in a shot from the edge of the area. Seoul now had doubled its lead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now high and dry, Seoul continued to dig into Busan and recorded their third with the last kick of the game. The goal scorer now turned into a provider as Gyung-jun crossed the ball to Park Min-seo to record another famous victory against IPark. In what was a repeat of their win in 2021, Seoul went their first five games that year with a 100% record. They would be more than happy to continue repeating the efforts of 2021 if it means taking down Suwon next week. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Full Time: </b>Busan IPark 0-3 Seoul E-Land </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DDO4XDbhy-4" width="320" youtube-src-id="DDO4XDbhy-4"></iframe></div><br /> <br />
<h4>
The Osmar Effect?</h4>
It may be the first time that Seoul E-Land will meet with Suwon Samsung Bluewings, but this certainly is not the first time for Osmar. The former FC Seoul defender is no stranger to the fixture as this will be the 33rd time Osmar has come up against Suwon. 30 of those occasions in the K League with two of the games being in the FA Cup final. Osmar managed to even be on the score sheet in the fixture once before. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DoF8bRMlJhk-zaax6MCbyyLecwzWmAoQByH8-C1YAGkRzX0B0GeJYjqf65HaDBZSRsFVSr0SB2j_MjIpuvxPP2j853zrOfDUH0RJJrj1lThsZstR107gnYDdjrJnxxGN6CXqqC05k407Opwfugsz4Nw1lX_2pHNu_GlLfVqD2KLMq8_TW_Z_VvlokaNu/s6000/c77796.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DoF8bRMlJhk-zaax6MCbyyLecwzWmAoQByH8-C1YAGkRzX0B0GeJYjqf65HaDBZSRsFVSr0SB2j_MjIpuvxPP2j853zrOfDUH0RJJrj1lThsZstR107gnYDdjrJnxxGN6CXqqC05k407Opwfugsz4Nw1lX_2pHNu_GlLfVqD2KLMq8_TW_Z_VvlokaNu/s16000/c77796.jpg" /></a></div><br />Two teams who know little about one another, Osmar may be the deciding factor in this fixture due to his knowledge of how the Bluewings perform in big games. Suwon needs to prove to their fans that they still take the art of football seriously and will not want to slip up against Seoul. For the Leopards, they would love to continue their great start to the season. </div><div><br /></div><div>Suwon have the firepower up front to cause damage in the league this year and it will be Osmar's role next week to make sure that they stay quiet at the top of the field. If Osmar can recreate his first goal for Seoul on Sunday, it would be perfect, however, Osmar may need to sit back a little more in this fixture and command his line well with his experience. It was noted that Osmar played in the CM role against Busan and was successful in helping the flow of the game for Seoul. A win against IPark is a good start, but they will need to continue to build from there on in if they mean business this year. <br />
<h4><br /></h4><h4>
The Perfect Start?</h4>For Seoul E-Land, they played 90 minutes of football, recorded a clean sheet, three goals, and no cautions. It has been said many times not to change a winning team. However, we did see Seoul make their first change in the 17th minute, taking off U22 player Jo Yong-gwang for Park Jeong-in. This is a move we saw many times before from the manager Kim Do-kyun during his time at Suwon FC. With the manager so intent on making sure his side has five substitutions, will we see the same strategy again against the Bluewings?</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75cNkygsba2VIr11MO48cRxOqVcVvKkgYo63j2O_Eb-T8b_-C_Qyrk97ZnOLX_gfp6EoZeYAI1Fz0xIlJwpwD86cLFxoalRsYxiRV4lVJSyNF5q1HaW7xqYrEuUcThrXySiiVGTMtq7zO6z_Xxv6JTQQkOV-fEwnHGq5Efm9sux4vKsBtLnDVLSe5Uy20/s6000/c77780.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75cNkygsba2VIr11MO48cRxOqVcVvKkgYo63j2O_Eb-T8b_-C_Qyrk97ZnOLX_gfp6EoZeYAI1Fz0xIlJwpwD86cLFxoalRsYxiRV4lVJSyNF5q1HaW7xqYrEuUcThrXySiiVGTMtq7zO6z_Xxv6JTQQkOV-fEwnHGq5Efm9sux4vKsBtLnDVLSe5Uy20/s16000/c77780.jpg" /></a></div><br />All five subs were used against Busan and this was done to keep the tempo of the game in Seoul's favour. With it being the first game of the season, some players may have needed a little more time to get up to full fitness. I believe the boss executed the substitution tactic perfectly and brought on three fresh players in the 73rd minute, giving Seoul that extra boost towards the end. </div><div><br /></div><div>Identifying player roles on the pitch further, Peter had a memorable start for Seoul in the game against Busan and Ikoba looked promising on the ball. Both Peter and Bruno Silva assisted in the game and Osmar scored. Could Seoul finally have a set of foreign players who will bring joy to Leoul Park?</div><div> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>[READ: </b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/preview/8845056405375957158/4360332003245952897">What's Changing in K League in 2024?</a><b>]</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div>
<h4>
Loud and Proud</h4>With Seoul looking like a professional outfit once more in the K League 2, the same will hopefully be replicated off the field with the fans. The Seoul loyal have made a big push in the off-season to promote the atmosphere in the stadium. New fan groups have been established, and new flags can be seen in the stands. </div><div><br /></div><div>The fans want to create a fun and joyful atmosphere which is welcoming for spectators to come and watch Seoul play. If success continues on the pitch for the Leopards, then hopefully the attendance will also grow. If these new spectators have a memorable time in the stands due to the new samba style of sound coming from the Seoul faithful, then new fans will be created. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQT0bJfXuIuh0cVSFlsjzs5tTSNnXy1si48Sk5zQJZA2w4mc9piZ6g3mBfgf0fN39sGcF1J2aYeOB-_W9fFXRoTZGheBDqecCWqhOX03NQS-7rKBJAFGLCGTS6Zn0TsgN7gZ3lytENPrielMbxd31LU6heI1Rz7eGvV9jzMPOCRiEcJwiCh0F1AmmnC1i/s1440/busan%20away%202024.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQT0bJfXuIuh0cVSFlsjzs5tTSNnXy1si48Sk5zQJZA2w4mc9piZ6g3mBfgf0fN39sGcF1J2aYeOB-_W9fFXRoTZGheBDqecCWqhOX03NQS-7rKBJAFGLCGTS6Zn0TsgN7gZ3lytENPrielMbxd31LU6heI1Rz7eGvV9jzMPOCRiEcJwiCh0F1AmmnC1i/s16000/busan%20away%202024.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Image Via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/guncheong_official?igsh=MWhiNzJlZWhkejB1ag==">Instagram.com/guncheong_official</a>)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I make a point of the fans this week as they will be up against a tough task when they face Suwon Bluewings. They are one of the best-followed sides in all of Asia, never mind the K League. They more often than not sell out their away allocations and they will bring noise to Mokdong on Sunday. </div><div><br /></div><div>Seoul fans will hope that their drums are in tune, their megaphones are fully charged and that their fans are in full voice if they are to compete with the fans of the Bluewings. Hopefully, Seoul's football on the pitch will help in silencing the Suwon fans. <br /><br /><br />
<h4>
Replay 2021</h4>
As stated before, last week was identical to the start of the 2021 season. I make a point of this because Seoul's second game of that year was against Gimcheon Sangmu. Another side that was playing K League 1 football the season prior. Okay, their situation was a little different as they moved from Sangju to Gimcheon in 2021 which led to their automatic relegation. However, Seoul still went on to beat them 4-0 in Jamsil. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqVmsIt55tdUXgEGJIAXkZZ0WYmlHyRctf7kbp-aL3uvAz-YSptnK6X8KNdgrGJ9Q2iImgWwTwy7OHWTshmFl4ffa28yO-pJ2ZJR78NjijJQa2pweipVHhJSYW4YTvKz2hEa1hp0kk8GPWfGG8RDOD1IFuzoQauJEEjGfiLn2SeuyBmrdsQMGK56tW0wP/s4996/210306452123.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3331" data-original-width="4996" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqVmsIt55tdUXgEGJIAXkZZ0WYmlHyRctf7kbp-aL3uvAz-YSptnK6X8KNdgrGJ9Q2iImgWwTwy7OHWTshmFl4ffa28yO-pJ2ZJR78NjijJQa2pweipVHhJSYW4YTvKz2hEa1hp0kk8GPWfGG8RDOD1IFuzoQauJEEjGfiLn2SeuyBmrdsQMGK56tW0wP/s16000/210306452123.JPG" /></a></div><br />Would Seoul be able to continue their luck and beat a relegated team in round 2 of the K League? Or will Suwon continue to march back up to the top flight once more? This is more than likely going to be one of the most difficult games of the season for Seoul and if they can take anything from this game, then it would be a success. It is still very early days in the league, but we may be looking back at this fixture come the business end of the season. A win for the Leopards will certainly turn heads and they would hope that they finally have a squad capable of success this year. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for myself? I long for a Saturday afternoon game in the sun, so that I can fully enjoy it with my glass bottle of Coca-Cola, lying on the beach, watching the game from my phone. These Sunday games are great viewing before heading back to work the next day, but football on a Saturday is the cherry on the cake. However, on the flip side, if Seoul can play in the K League 2 the same way they did against Busan, than they can play midweek at 5am for all I care. </div><div><br /></div><div><br />
</div></div>Michael Redmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661961448368937479noreply@blogger.com0939 Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, South Korea37.5305581 126.8830404-14.017865829530962 -13.741959600000001 89.078982029530962 -92.491959599999973