‘K League 1 3rd consecutive loss’ 3-1 comeback win over Ulsan
Succeeded in winning the competition for the second time in a row, the first win for coach Tae-ha Park
Pohang Steelers defeated ‘K League 1 champion’ Ulsan HD to win the Korea Cup for the sixth time in history.
Pohang, led by coach Park Tae-ha, won the 2024 Hana Bank Korea Cup finals held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 30th, defeating Ulsan 3-1 after a fierce overtime struggle.
As a result, Pohang won the championship for the second year in a row, following last year. In history, winning the Korea Cup twice in a row is the fourth record, following Jeonnam Dragons (2006, 2007), Suwon Samsung (2009, 2010), and Pohang (2012, 2013).
In addition, a new history was written. Starting with the inaugural Korea Cup in 1996,Pohang won a total of six times in 2008,2012,2013,2023,and 2024,becoming the sole leader with the most wins in history. Suwon and Jeonbuk Hyundai, who each won five times, fell to a tie for second place.
Pohang, who competed for the title in the K-League 1 in the early stages of this season but fell into a swamp of consecutive losses and stayed in 6th place, established its pride as a ‘famous family’ by winning the Korea Cup, which determines the strongest team in Korean soccer, both professional and amateur.
Coach Park,a ‘club legend’ who took charge of Pohang as the successor to coach Kim Ki-dong (currently FC Seoul),was recognized for his leadership by winning the Korea Cup trophy in his first season in office.
Pohang,a strong team in the Korea Cup,continued that tradition this season.
the first match, the round of 16, was not easy. Pohang was down 0-1 against K-League 2 Suwon, but made a comeback with Baek Seong-dong’s equalizing goal in the 9th minute of extra time, and won with 5PSO4 in the ensuing penalty shootout.
However,as Pohang climbed one step at a time,the team became stronger. In the quarterfinals,thay faced Seoul,led by Kim Ki-dong,and won 5-1. In the semifinals, which were played home and away, they won 3-2 over Jeju United in the first and second games to advance to the finals.
In the final, the final gateway to the championship, they had a great match with thier ‘east Coast Derby’ rival Ulsan.
Pohang was behind Ulsan throughout the first half and allowed Ju Min-gyu to score the first goal in the 36th minute, but they made a big counterattack in the second half and turned the tide. In the 23rd minute of the second half, Jeong Jae-hee’s mid-range gun was lucky enough to hit an opposing player and enter the goal.
Pohang, who took the lead with the tying goal, stepped up the offensive, and in the 6th minute of the second half of extra time, Kim In-seong scored the winning goal with a header. Then, in the 19th minute of the second half of extra time, Kang Hyun-je scored the third goal and fired the victory gun.
Pohang,who enjoyed double joy by preventing their rival Ulsan,who had built a dynasty by winning three consecutive K-League 1 games,from doubling,once again confirmed that they were a powerhouse in the Korea Cup.
(Seoul = News 1)
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What challenges did Pohang Steelers face during the Korea Cup tournament?
N from achieving a consecutive title, celebrated their victory as well as their ancient achievement in the Korea Cup. The match showcased a remarkable turnaround for the Pohang Steelers, who demonstrated both resilience and skill, particularly in the second half and overtime.
Throughout the tournament, Pohang faced important challenges, including a tough opening match against K-League 2 team Suwon where they had to rely on a late equalizer. However, the team’s ability to adapt and improve with each round eventually led them to dominate in the final, despite being pressed in the first half.
The importance of the win extends beyond just the trophy; it reinstates Pohang’s position as a powerhouse in Korean football. With this sixth Korea Cup victory, Pohang aims to carry this momentum into the upcoming K League 1 season, hoping to overcome their earlier struggles and contend for the league title as well.
Coach Park Tae-ha’s success in his first season speaks volumes of his leadership capabilities, further endearing him to fans and solidifying his status as a club legend. The impact of this victory stretches to the players as well,who will surely take immense confidence from this hard-fought win.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Pohang Steelers to see if they can convert this cup success into league success, continuing to build on their proud legacy and aiming for even greater achievements in the future.