adminIt is a confrontation between the semifinal candidates and the dark horse. Incheon United, who are seeking revenge for their defeat in the opening game, and Daejeon Hana Citizen, who won a surprise victory from the first game, meet.
Incheon and Daejeon will face off in the second round of the Hana One Q K League 1 2023 at the Incheon Soccer Stadium on the 4th.
The start of the two teams was completely different. Incheon lost 1-2 in the opening game against FC Seoul on the 25th of last month. It was a match between the two teams nominated for the semifinals by many coaches on Media Day, and Seoul laughed. On the other hand, Daejeon announced a fresh start with a 2-0 victory over the ‘recalcitrant’ Gangwon FC.
Incheon was defeated by Seoul in the opening game, but the content of the match was not bad. He released the attack by recording 590 passes (2nd place) and 109 passes (2nd place) in the attack area. However, there was no player to finish in front of the opponent’s goal. 15 shots were fired against Seoul, but it was defender Oh Ban-seok at the end of the second half that scored. This time we need a clear fixer.
This season, Incheon is aiming for the championship beyond being a candidate for the semifinals. Following last year’s record of 4th place, the club’s highest ever record, reinforcements were achieved through recruitment in the winter transfer market. They brought in veteran Shin Jin-ho, who was the best midfielder in the league, Chun Seong-hun, a 190cm tall striker who returned after experiencing the European stage, Paul Jose Mpoku from Tottenham, and Gerso, a ‘K-League special winger’. Among the Incheon players, there was a lot of confidence that they could stand up to the championship against Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonbuk Hyundai.
But it didn’t start well. Aim for revenge in this game.
The power of the next opponent’s match is not easy. It is a promoted team that has been promoted to the first division in 8 years, but Daejeon also succeeded in acquiring the necessary recruits and upgraded the team power. Last year, K-League 2 scored 1st place, 2nd place Yoo Kang-hyun and Thiago were recruited. The effect of offensive reinforcement was evident from the first game. Thiago and Leandro scored consecutive goals to win.
The performance of team defender Anton Krivochuk was also good. He is a defender from the Azerbaijan national team and is a recruit who joined Daejeon last month. In the first game against Gangwon without any adaptation period, he played a solid defense and received a passing grade. He commanded the defense, recording the most interceptions and 7 interceptions on the team. 안전놀이터
Daejeon made three names in the K-League 1 Round 1 Best 11. Along with Anton and Leandro, who led the team to victory, ‘Captain’ Ju Se-jong was selected. Turns out, it was a dark horse. If we catch Incheon, we can continue the upward trend.
Conversely, Incheon needs a win to make up for its first match loss. Incheon has an overwhelming advantage against Daejeon with 21 wins, 6 draws and 5 losses. This is the part where you can be confident.