Incheon United, receiving good energy, is now heading to the Asian stage.
Incheon boarded a flight to Japan on the afternoon of the 17th to play in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL). Incheon, which finished fourth in K-League 1 last year and earned its first advancement right since its founding, defeated Haiphong FC (Hong Kong) in the ACL Playoffs (PO) held on the 22nd of last month and succeeded in advancing to the finals. It was a moment when history was rewritten.
The atmosphere continued in the league as well. Incheon faltered for a while as they lost 0-2 to Pohang Steelers just before the international break, but succeeded in turning things around by winning 2-1 at home against Jeju United in the 30th round of K League 1 2023 on the 16th.
Since it was a theater performance, the atmosphere rose even more. In the second half of extra time, when the score was tied at 1-1, Hernández scored a wonder goal, signaling victory. As the game was expected to end in a draw, not only the players but also the bench roared as soon as the dramatic goal was scored.
Coach Cho’s decision to select Hernández as a starter was spot on. After suffering an injury against FC Seoul on July 22, Hernández has been on the field as a substitute. Coach Cho had previously used foreign players such as Mugosa, Gerso, and Mbappe, but on this day, he selected Hernández as the top two along with Kim Bo-seop. Mugosa and Gerso were substituted in the second half. It was like killing two birds with one stone: saving up the stamina of the main players ahead of the ACL and leading to victory.카지노사이트
In addition, Incheon, which accumulated 3 points with the victory that day, continued its battle for the rankings toward Final A (1st to 6th places). After the international break, most of the injured players returned one after another, allowing the team to embark on the ACL away trip in a good atmosphere with increased depth.
After the game, Incheon coach Seong-hwan Cho talked about what needs to be improved about the goal conceded, but also expressed his determination to face the ACL, saying, “I will strategically play the game with ease by using players who are in good condition.”
Starting with Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan) on the 19th, Incheon will play away games against Shandong Taishan (China) and Kaya FC Iloilo (Philippines) until December.