Korean Footballers Abroad Weekend Recap: Son’s first hat trick for Spurs / video highlight

NOTE: The Tavern hasn’t been updated lately – due partly to a cyber attack that disabled our ability to post up. Like me not able to list the KPA and K-League games last week. We’re back with stronger cyber defense at the Tavern.

 

Korean Footballers Abroad has the weekend recap March 11-12

One heroic performance and a pile of other bleh.

Park Joo Ho — Wasn’t in squad.

Ki Sung Yueng — I guess not fit enough yet to be on the bench. Unlike fellow injured player Montero, Ki not in reserve squad match so not sure a sign he’s more or less likely to play next weekend. But Swansea had their first step backwards last weekend and relegation again seems real danger.

Kwon Chang Hoon — Very disappointing as KCH was left out of the 18. I think he did ok with reserve side but this isn’t what anybody wanted. Not sure if it is a trust issue or language issue but not a great sign heading into final stretch fight against relegation.

Son Heung Min — The bright spot in the weekend, scoring a hat trick. He started off very poor and his touch was so bad that the stadium groaned and Alli raised his hands in frustration. But moments later, he did his favorite cut in and shoot and scored a great goal with his left foot. His next goal was also classic Son as he beat the offside trap and had a nice volley. His last goal was a gift as GK completely just dropped ball into his own goal, but Son also added a nice assist to Janssen.

With Kane out for the foreseeable future, there will be a lot of pressure on Son to produce and while his touch is very concerning, he has to be heading into this situation with tons of confidence. Even international duty will be light as he’s suspended vs China and will only have Syria to play albeit with short rest after. That said, the past few weeks and the start of this match hints at some problems with Son’s performances.

Ji Dong Won — He came on when Bobadilla got hurt, but by then Augsburg were already well beaten. I didn’t watch too closely but biggest concern I saw was Ji mistaking stupid and cheap fouls for quality physical play. He continues to fail to beat guys on the dribble and he’ll have to figure out how to play strong if he can’t play skillfully.

Koo Ja Cheol — Koo was a mess in the first part and somehow Augsburg were on their back heels for the first half and suddenly down by 3. Koo had a hand in the first goal, being late with the offside trap but it was a complete team failure, though against a Schalke team that had shown signs of life. Maybe I’ll try to watch the second half again, but it was so ugly and hard to watch.

Lee Chung Yong — Off.

Heon has Son’s video highlights, a mixed performance 1st half turns into eventual Man of the Match display from Son AND an assist for the beleagured Vincent Janssen who finally got his first goal from open play.

BTW: there was alleged racist chanting from the Millwall end directed towards Son. Both teams are investigating and will present any evidence to the FA. Both clubs have issued statements condemning racism.

 

Only one more fixture before the international break. We have Stielike’s call ups listed. Selections are peculiar for the March WCQ’s upcoming.

 

K-League Classic and Challenge action, round 2

Saturday, March 11

Daegu
2
FT

Incheon
2

Suwon
0
FT

Jeonbuk
2

Jeju United
3
FT

Ulsan
0

Gangwon
0
FT

FC Seoul
1
Sunday, March 12

Dragons
1
FT

Sangju Sangmu
3

Steelers
2
FT

Gwangju
0

 

A few notes

  • Daegu were heading for their first win back in the Classic but allowed Incheon back in the game. It ended in a draw.
  • Jeju are off to a fast start – 3 goal drubbing of Ulsan somewhat surprising, but good form for the Antlers heading into the ACL clash away at Adelaide United on Wednesday.
  • FC Seoul get their first win at the ski jump stadium near Gangwon – Dejan goal was the decider.
  • Good crowd at Jeonnam but that wasn’t enough for the home side as Sangju Sangmu
  • After Pohang’s keeper hears the final whistle to earn his first clean sheet, this:

 

 

K League Challenge results:

Sat 11/03/17 Busan I’Park 3 – 1 Ansan Greeners More info
Asan Mugunghwa 4 – 0 Anyang More info
Sun 12/03/17 Seoul E-Land 0 – 1 Gyeongnam More info
Daejeon Citizen 1 – 1 Seongnam More info
Suwon 1 – 0 Bucheon 1995

(Jae should be double happy, Jeju and Busan wins buoy a good weekend of results)

 

Note: K League’s english language site hasn’t been updated properly. They have a scrolling list of the latest results but the front end of the website still has the promotion/relegation clash between Seongnam and Gangwon -and that happened back in November!  Update please.

K League United has some previews of the ACL midweek group games. We’re looking at matchday 3 and here’s the fixtures coming up:

Tuesday March 14

Ulsan
6:30 AM

Muangthong United

Tuesday March 14

Eastern
8:00 AM

Suwon

 

Adelaide United
5:00 AM

Jeju United

Wednesday March 15

FC Seoul
6:30 AM
Wanderers

Wednesday March 15

All

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