The key to Gangwon FC ‘s victory over Ulsan Hyundai for the first time in 11 years was a resurgent attacking game.
Gangwon defeated Ulsan 2-0 in the 26th round of the Hana One Q K League 1 2023 at Gangneung Sports Complex on March 12. It was a monumental victory, especially against the ‘nemesis’ Ulsan, after 11 years. Kangwon hadn’t won a game since May 26, 2012, when they beat Ulsan 2-1, with four draws and 21 losses, but they broke the jinx on this day.
Gangwon’s victory, which came 105 days after their last win in the 10th round (1-0) against Jeonbuk Hyundai on April 29, was a testament to the teamwork that has taken hold under Yoon Jeong-hwan.
Yoon, who took over the reins from Choi Yong-soo in mid-June, was a midfielder who was dubbed the best “technician” in South Korea during his playing days. Under Yoon, attacking football based on solid organization was expected, but the team struggled to establish proper teamwork due to a series of transfers and signings following injuries to key players at the beginning of the season. In the previous match against Jeju Unite, the team failed to lock the back door after taking the lead and conceded a goal to settle for a draw, and the problem of defensive insecurity following the goal drought has been consistently pointed out.
On this day, however, Gangwon showed a different side and excited the fans at their home stadium in Gangneung. With Gabriel and Wellington at the center of the attack, Gangwon put Ulsan under pressure with 11 shots in the first half alone and scored the first goal in the 37th minute. After being out-shot 2 to 11 in the first half, Ulsan head coach Hong Myung-bo tried to turn things around by introducing Lee Chung-yong and Seol Young-woo at the start of the second half.
In the 17th minute of the second half, Lee rattled the net, but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled that goalkeeper Lee Kwang-yeon’s movement was restricted when he tangled with Lee Min-gyu.
Gangwon then took advantage of Ulsan’s desperation to raise their line and continued to attack in stoppage time, with Hankyung and Yago both recording shots on target.
Finally, just before the end of the game, Yago drew a foul from Kim Ki-hee while trying to break through one-on-one and won a penalty kick, which he converted to seal the victory.
Meanwhile, having turned the tide, Gangwon will try to make it two wins in a row at home against Suwon FC in Gangneung on the 19th. 파워볼사이트