Whatever the level is, haniljeon means that players play twice as physically and generally turn their brains off. Matches typically devolve into frustrating side-to-side passing with intensity typically stepping up around the 70 minute mark as either side goes for another goal to either catch up or seal the match. BSK goes into full riot mode as mods quietly try to calm down the flames. . . like clockwork.
- Tonight's Son was a different Son, not the usual scoring goals left and right, but the one fighting and helping teammates to keep/win the ball, fighting and helping to defend and cover teammates in both offense and defense. He truly played with fighting spirit that all fueled from wanting the exemption so badly. Son was a team player tonight, and two unselfish assists for both Lee Seung-woo and Hwang Hee-chan's goals. - Lee Seung-woo, this kid is growing stronger and better, his attitude especially has displayed of toughness, grit, and never giving up. When he buried his shot, he put everything behind his shot, not just for the sake of winning, but for sake of the entire team's exemption. Same goes for Hwang Hee-chan, leaped like a mother fcuking whale/dolphin to get a magnificent header. These two are truly a young tough duo. - Hwang Eui-jo, didn't get a goal as his chances scraped the post, but it's ok, he fought hard and ran hard even knowing he was exhausted. The Hwang Eui-jo now, is the Hwang Eui-jo I'd like to see from here on out with the senior team, and I hope he can use and uphold this experience especially at the Asian Cup next year. - Kim Jin-ya, his performance reminded me of Lee Young-pyo and Kim Tae-yong, fighting tooth and nail on the left flanks, tracking back to defend and cover, as well as endlessly providing offensive help. He should soon be called up as we're lacking FB options due to injury as such. - Cho Hyun-woo didn't have much to save, although he made some crucial saves tonight(Couldn't do much about Ueda's header though), however if Song Beom-keun was behind at goal instead, we would've likely conceded 1-2 goals, the guy is just Jung Sung-ryong 2.0. - Both Lee Seung-mo and Song Beom-keun needs to thank the team for getting their asses exempted, because they're another two wasted options becoming yet another wasted exemption. - First haniljeon finals at the AG, scored two crucial goals at AET(One of which Ahn Jung-hwan predicted), plus beating Japan and getting the exemption is probably the sweetest victory since the bronze medal finish at the London Olympics in 2012, it's basically killing two birds with one stone. More exhilarating than the 2014 edition win vs North Korea at AET. - Second consecutive AG gold, Lee Kwang-jong 2014, Kim Hak-bum 2018. But, just because Kim Hak-bum did well, doesn't mean he should step foot at the senior team's doorsteps. - Uzbek ref was trash.
So Japanese media has been advertising this match as "Japan u21 v Korea u23" LOOOOL Even including WCs, our squad's average age is 21.75.
Alright boys and girls, get ready for yet another nailbiter in two years time. And, then another two years afterwards. Lee Kang-in, Baek Seung-ho, Jeong Woo-yeong, Jang Gyeol-hee.
Man guys. Hwang in beom’s ball trapping is at another level. I still remember him controling the ball from way up in the air and dropped right on his feet. Woah. Class that the Japanese players witnessed. I am sure
LOOOOL... if you bring a squad to a u-23 tournament, no matter how young they are, they're a u-23 team. Japanese media play at it's finest.
I forgot to mention how well Hwang In-beom and Kim Min-jae played tonight. Hopefully, they both impress with the senior team under Bento. Kim Min-jae's injury before the WC was very unfortunate, but it's good to see him strong and explosive at the back, lost count on how many times he hustled and outmuscled the Japanese attack. Hwang In-beom in particular had excellent trapping skills as well as attacking and defending smoothly, he has a knack for sneaking into the oppositions back space pretty quickly. Our midfield is actually looking good post Ki-Koo.
He's good enough to get a call up for the senior team, plus he's another name to deserve an exemption. He is a FW but he's been dropped to CAM since Park Ju-young is the number 9 for FC Seoul, and Lee Eul-yong seems to like having Cho Hyung-wook in a more central attacking role behind Jumen.