Hwang Eui-jo (31-FC Seoul) scored a ‘wonder goal’ for the second consecutive game. First against Incheon United, then against Pohang Steelers. For what might be the last time, he gave the fans a priceless goal at a home game in Seoul. However, the team drew for the second consecutive game and hoped for a wonder goal.
Hwang Ui-jo started the 18th round of the Hana OneQ K League 1 2023 against Pohang at 6 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Seoul World Cup Stadium and split the Pohang goal in the 33rd minute with a cold right-footed mid-range shot from the left side of the penalty box.
Having scored against Incheon four days earlier with a cool mid-range shot from the front of the arc after receiving a pass from Ki Sung-yueng, he roared to score a wonder goal in back-to-back games for the first time this season. However, the team was unable to capitalize on Hwang’s goal. Earlier in the day, Hwang Ui-jo scored a fantastic goal against Incheon, but it was overshadowed by the team’s 1-1 draw.
The goal took on added significance as it was likely to be his last home game in a Seoul jersey. Hwang, who joined the club on loan from Nottingham Forest (England), is out of contract with Seoul at the end of the month. Hwang plans to play his scheduled matches and then communicate with his agent. Depending on his desire to return to Europe, he could part ways with Seoul. That’s why this goal was so valuable.
However, Seoul were unable to capitalize on Hwang’s goal. On the day, Seoul conceded a late theater goal and drew 1-1 with Pohang, making it three games without a win (two draws and one loss). They remain in third place with 29 points (8 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses). They extended their unusually strong run to eight games with four wins and four draws against Pohang. Pohang, on the other hand, played a theater match for the second consecutive game following their last theater win against Jeju United. They remained in second place with 31 points (8 wins, 7 draws, 3 losses).
Seoul lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation with Hwang Eui-jo in the center and Ki Sung-yong, Palosevic, and Na Sang-ho in the second line. Osmar played as a defensive midfielder, while Lee Tae-seok, Kim Joo-sung, Lee Han-beom, and Park Soo-il lined up on the back line. Baek Jong-beom was in goal.
Pohang countered with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Kim Seung-dae, Cho Jae-hoon, and Kim In-sung in the second line. Kim Jun-ho and Aubertan partnered in the midfield, while Wandelsson, Grant, Ha Chang-rae, and Park Seung-wook formed the defense and Hwang In-jae guarded the goal.
Seoul took the early initiative. Hwang Ui-jo opened the scoring with a deflected shot. They had a series of chances on set pieces, but Lee Han-beom’s left-footed turn and Hwang Ui-jo’s powerful header went wide or were saved by the goalkeeper. Pohang responded in the 18th minute with a mid-range shot from Cho Jae-hoon that went straight at the keeper.
Sparks began to fly midway through the first half. Seoul repeatedly knocked on the Pohang goal in a chaotic situation after a corner kick in the 26th minute. In response, Pohang had a crucial chance to take the lead in the 28th minute. After receiving a penetrating pass, Zeca completely broke free from the back of the defense, drove to the left side of the goal area and went one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, her shot was saved by the keeper.
Coach Kim Ki-dong made the first change. In the 33rd minute, he took off Cho Jae-hoon and brought on Go Young-joon. Go has been a key offensive resource for the team this season with six goals and one assist in the league, but he was used as a joker instead of a starter to ensure his fitness.
But it was Seoul who upset the balance. On the counterattack, Hwang Eui-jo received a pass from Kim Hyun-gyeop on the left side of the penalty box and boldly connected with a right-footed mid-range shot. The powerful shot went straight into the Pohang goal. Hwang Ui-jo, who scored a wonder goal for the second consecutive game, smiled and performed his signature goal celebration.
Pohang made changes in the attack and midfield at the start of the second half, dropping Kim In-sung and Kim Jun-ho in favor of Baek Sung-dong and Lee Seung-mo. Pohang was the first to strike, increasing their possession and finding gaps in Seoul’s defense, but Seoul didn’t back down. They quickly exchanged attacks.
Pohang’s efforts to find an equalizer continued. In the 17th minute of the second half, Lee Seung-mo tried a low, mid-range shot that went just wide of the goal. Seoul responded three minutes later when Hwang Eui-jo once again found the Pohang goal with a powerful mid-range shot. Both teams continued to push for an equalizer and an additional goal 메이저사이트.
As the game moved into the second half, Pohang’s offense intensified. However, the tightly closed Seoul goal was difficult to open. In the 27th minute, Grant’s powerful header from a corner kick was saved by Baek Jong-beom. Seoul piled up a thick defense and tried to find another goal with a quick counterattack.
Pohang attacked, looking for an opening. Seoul’s defense was not easily distracted. Pohang repeatedly tried to shoot from any position and direction. The Seoul defense responded with a physical defense.
Pohang’s offense, however, eventually found a crack. In the second half of stoppage time, the score was dramatically balanced. Ha Chang-rae headed home a cross from Baek Sung-dong to shake the Seoul goal. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Despite sharing one point apiece, the two teams were evenly matched when the referee blew the final whistle.