International Break Time: let’s quickly review how KPAs did and K League results over the weekend before the China v Korea WCQs on Thursday (BTW did you catch Tavern’s Tim Lee and Jamie Mcilroy from wildeastfootball.net quiz each other on the key factors to look out for in China v Korea? Do yourself a solid and look for that here).
Player Club Opponent Result Notes
Son Heungmin, @Tottenham, Southampton, 2-1 W, 75′
Ji Dongwon, @Augsburg, Freiburg, 1-1 D, 90′
Koo Jacheol, @Augsburg, Freiburg, 1-1 D, 90′
Park Jooho, @Dortmund, Ingolstadt, 1-0 W, Not in 18
Lee Chungyong, @Palace, Watford, 1-0 W, unused sub
Ki Sungyueng, Swansea, @Bornemouth, 2-0 L, 67′
Kwon Changhoon, @Dijon, St Eitienne, 0-1 L, unused sub
Notes from Europe:
- Ki returned to Swansea after a long injury recovery for the Korean National team captain. Not a bad shift, no major errors but rust was evident as he wasn’t as influential as he might’ve when he’s at the top of his game. Still, good to see Ki back (see his ball touch highlight reel below)
- Son, confident from his hat trick performance last weekend, didn’t score as he led the frontline following Harry Kane’s absence, but in post match comments, Pochettino gave good marks for his contributions for linking up with Delle and Eriksen and getting behind the backline, a wicked shot forcing an equally good save from Southampton’s keeper only minutes after the start. Son of course won’t be credited with his role carrying away defenders from the box that allowed space for Eriksen to break the deadlock. I didn’t get to watch yet, but from glancing at Heon’s ball touch video, looked like he had some good touches – and what looked like a miss going wide in the 2nd half -however on further review, a Southampton defender deflected the shot at the last moment.
- Lee Chung-Yong back in the 18, though he didn’t play, might seem like progress as he’s been omitted from the 18 for the last several CP matches. He did well in a reserve game last week which factored into Lee getting into gameday squad line.
- Not mentioned yet is Hwang Hee-Chan – he came on as a sub for RB Salzburg in Austria – and for Uli’s 3rd and possibly least controversial pick as Korea’s striker, scored a double against Austria Wien! Just in time as the Tavern is wary of Uli’s other striker picks Thursday against China. Watch those goals …after the jump!
K League Classic results from Round 3:
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Saturday, March 18
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Sunday, March 19
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Notes:
- surprising number of draws including Incheon keeping things scoreless against Jeonbuk! Gangwon keeps things level with Pohang 2-2, Suwon can’t break deadlock with Daegu, they draw 1-1.
- Seoul, while earning 3 points against Gwanju, did so controversially with what many deem as soft penalties given to the home side. That’s more on the refs and raises questions on the quality of the refereeing in Korea. That said, Park Chu-Young and Dejan did well to convert.
- Jeju are really impressing the hell out of me. I thought maybe they’d be top4 contenders, but while not exactly running away with the league, have managed a perfect win record while getting decent results in the Asian Champions League.
Extra note: Jae Chee was at the Jeju game vs Jeonnam, he had this to say about Jeonnam’s Heo Yong-Joon:
“Random thoughts after watching Heo yesterday vs Jeju. Not entirely sure how Stielike plans to use him. Played central midfield yesterday. Hard to get good reading on him because Jeonnam was super defensive and very rigid in their tactics. Showed decent strength to hold off challenges and make space for passing. Seemed average technically.”
I got to go but I’ll return later today for last weekend’s K League Challenge results. Peace Love and Resistance!
Back again, K-League Challenge results (via soccerway.com)
Tim’s Challenge takeaways: Lee Jeong-Hyeop scored again for Busan in the Challenge, Seongnam are disappointing, and Suwon FC lead the division.
Chalga everyone. Peace love and resistance!
it’s nice to know Hwang is doing well at Salzburg
Roy do you see him as a potential first choice striker for the KNT? or is it too soon to tell? I’m hoping Hwang will impress if he gets playing time.
Still hard to say but his finishing, which had been problematic in the past (and still somewhat an issue) is better this season overall for RB Salzburg. I’m hoping Uli will utilize Hwang more but we’ll see what happens.
I think as long as Stielike is manager, it will be difficult for HHC to be a first choice starter as Stielike seems to prefer a more traditional CF. Purely in terms of ability, I think HHC has the tools to be a first choice CF, but it would require a different attacking set up that favors more fluidity in positioning (specifically with SHM). If Korea could find a really solid midfield 3, an attacking 3 of SHM, HHC, and LSW would be quite interesting.