Daejeon Citizen 1 - 1 Incheon Utd
by Liam Birch at Daejeon World Cup Stadium
Daejeon began life after Kim Ho with an impressive performance against high-flying Incheon at the Purple Arena on Saturday. After a week of turmoil, Citizen produced one of their best displays of the season and were unfortunate to be denied a deserved victory.
After losing both their head coach and club chairman during the week, one might have expected a disjointed performance from Citizen. However, what followed was an excellent display that but for wasteful finishing and poor officiating, should have resulted in victory.
Daejeon started brightly from the off and were denied a clear penalty in the 14th minute. The excellent Ko Chang Hyeon dribbled his way into the area, only to be tripped by the Incheon defender. Amazingly, both the referee and his assistant failed to notice the infringement and play resumed. Just 3 minutes later, Daejeon had another penalty claim turned down that although not as clear cut as the first, was still a poor decision.
An unbelievable miss followed and it's one that Brazilian Valber won't want to see again in a hurry. An excellent cross from the left found Valber unmarked, 6 yards out and no goalkeeper in sight. Somehow, he headed the ball down onto the ground and over the bar. It was quite shocking and completely out of character from one of Daejeon's most gifted players.
Daejeon were the clearly dominant team and Incheon did little to trouble Choi Eun-Song, making his 410th appearance in the Daejeon goal. Even Park Sung-Ho was having a decent game in attack, holding up the ball well and linking up with the wingers. For all their possession however, Citizen created few real chances and it was no surprise to see a goalless first half.
Whatever the Incheon boss said at half time clearly worked as Utd came out flying. Playing with much more purpose, they still failed to trouble Choi in the Daejeon goal, though their possession play was frustrating Daejeon. More worrying was the injury that forced play maker Valber to withdraw around the hour mark. Initial reports are that the injury isn't as bad as first feared, however the player will have a scan this week and is expected to miss at least 2 weeks.
With the game headed for a 0-0 draw, Ko Chang Hyeon provided another piece of magic to send the home crowd into raptures. Winning a free kick 30 yards out, Ko Chang-Hyeon fired a pin-perfect effort into the top right of the Incheon keeper's goal, giving him no chance. It was another superlative free kick from Ko, who simply must be knocking on the door of the national team with another outstanding performance.
With Daejeon seemingly in control, disaster struck in the 89th minute. A routine high ball caused panic in the Daejeon defence. Hwang Ji-Yoon, who was having a solid game, attempted a suicidal head back to the keeper which was duly intercepted by the Incheon striker who collided with Choi before watching the ball roll into the empty net. Confusion reigned as the referee and assistant seemed to debate whether the goal would stand, although unfortunately for Daejeon, it did.
A game in which Citizen showed such promise was unfortunately ended with a feeling of disappointment. Daejeon can most certainly take pride in the way that they played and will know that they should have taken all three points. An FA Cup tie against minnows Gyeonghee University should put Daejeon back on winning ways however. They must now also focus on attracting a new coach, which could take a while considering their meagre resources and poor position in the K-League.
Monday 29 June 2009
Tuesday 23 June 2009
Kim Ho on the Brink?
Reports from various sections of the Korean media are suggesting that Daejeon Citizen head coach Kim Ho is to leave the club this week.
It is thought that an urgent board meeting was called yesterday at which Kim, 64, was asked to resign or be fired. Rumours have been rife over the past few weeks, with various allegations implicating Kim in several scandals. It is unknown whether the Daejeon board has acted because of the allegations, or because of the club's poor showing this season.
Kim Ho has previously managed both Suwon Bluewings and the Korean national team, and is highly respected in the Korean game.
More on this breaking news as it becomes available.
It is thought that an urgent board meeting was called yesterday at which Kim, 64, was asked to resign or be fired. Rumours have been rife over the past few weeks, with various allegations implicating Kim in several scandals. It is unknown whether the Daejeon board has acted because of the allegations, or because of the club's poor showing this season.
Kim Ho has previously managed both Suwon Bluewings and the Korean national team, and is highly respected in the Korean game.
More on this breaking news as it becomes available.
Sunday 21 June 2009
Report: Daejeon Citizen 3 - 2 Busan I'Park
by Liam Birch at Daejeon World Cup Stadium
Two goals from Park Sung-Ho against his former club Busan helped Daejeon on their way to a vital victory as the K-League resumed after international break. On a night where few fans ventured out to the rain-soaked stadium, Daejeon produced a fine attacking display to see off a Busan team who were enjoying a decent run of form.
The visitors, who found themselves at the upper echelons of the league at the start of play, looked tentative in the early going and paid the price. Daejeon took the lead on 11 minutes. Ko Chang-Hyeon's deep free kick from the right found the unmarked Park Sung-Ho who cooly volleyed Daejeon ahead. It was a very nice finish but Busan will feel they could have defended it much better.
Busan were given no respite as Citizen piled forward looking for a second. It came on 15 minutes through the creativity of play maker Babel. The Brazilian picked up the ball on the right hand side of the area before cutting inside, beating his man and driving an effort towards goal. The Busan keeper could only parry it, straight into the feet of Park Sung-Ho, who duly grabbed his second of the game.
It was a fine start for Daejeon and one that was fully deserved given their attacking play from the outset. Daejeon could have been forgiven for thinking that the game was over but Busan fired a warning on the stroke of halftime. Poor defending and the inability to clear their lines cost Daejeon as Lee Jung Ho fired home from inside the area. In truth, the defender on the line should have cleared it but instead, he helped divert the ball into the roof of the net.
The goal just before half time gave Busan added momentum heading into the second. They created numerous half-chances that were either well saved by Choi Eun-Song or fired wastefully wide. They were misses that Busan would regret as Citizen top-scorer Ko Chang-Hyeon, another former Busan player, fired his 6th goal of the season on 63 minutes.
A cross from the left was poorly headed away by the Busan defender. Park Sung-Ho tried to bring the ball under control before poking it towards Ko Chang-Hyeon on the right. The winger hit it first time with the outside of his boot to send the ball swerving away from the Busan keeper and into the top left corner of the net. It was a great finish from a man who is attracting much attention from other clubs, namely Suwon. If he keeps scoring goals like that, then Citizen will have a real struggle on their hands to keep him.
Jung Sung Hoon completed the scoring for Busan on 94 minutes when the former Daejeon man tapped home a scrappy effort.
It was a fine win for Daejeon and one that keeps them safely ahead of bottom club Daegu and Ulsan. Indeed, in a close K-League, Daejeon are now just six points off a playoff spot, and with the next three games being played at home, Citizen fans will hope that this win provides a catalyst for a playoff push.
MOM: Park Sung-Ho
Two goals from Park Sung-Ho against his former club Busan helped Daejeon on their way to a vital victory as the K-League resumed after international break. On a night where few fans ventured out to the rain-soaked stadium, Daejeon produced a fine attacking display to see off a Busan team who were enjoying a decent run of form.
The visitors, who found themselves at the upper echelons of the league at the start of play, looked tentative in the early going and paid the price. Daejeon took the lead on 11 minutes. Ko Chang-Hyeon's deep free kick from the right found the unmarked Park Sung-Ho who cooly volleyed Daejeon ahead. It was a very nice finish but Busan will feel they could have defended it much better.
Busan were given no respite as Citizen piled forward looking for a second. It came on 15 minutes through the creativity of play maker Babel. The Brazilian picked up the ball on the right hand side of the area before cutting inside, beating his man and driving an effort towards goal. The Busan keeper could only parry it, straight into the feet of Park Sung-Ho, who duly grabbed his second of the game.
It was a fine start for Daejeon and one that was fully deserved given their attacking play from the outset. Daejeon could have been forgiven for thinking that the game was over but Busan fired a warning on the stroke of halftime. Poor defending and the inability to clear their lines cost Daejeon as Lee Jung Ho fired home from inside the area. In truth, the defender on the line should have cleared it but instead, he helped divert the ball into the roof of the net.
The goal just before half time gave Busan added momentum heading into the second. They created numerous half-chances that were either well saved by Choi Eun-Song or fired wastefully wide. They were misses that Busan would regret as Citizen top-scorer Ko Chang-Hyeon, another former Busan player, fired his 6th goal of the season on 63 minutes.
A cross from the left was poorly headed away by the Busan defender. Park Sung-Ho tried to bring the ball under control before poking it towards Ko Chang-Hyeon on the right. The winger hit it first time with the outside of his boot to send the ball swerving away from the Busan keeper and into the top left corner of the net. It was a great finish from a man who is attracting much attention from other clubs, namely Suwon. If he keeps scoring goals like that, then Citizen will have a real struggle on their hands to keep him.
Jung Sung Hoon completed the scoring for Busan on 94 minutes when the former Daejeon man tapped home a scrappy effort.
It was a fine win for Daejeon and one that keeps them safely ahead of bottom club Daegu and Ulsan. Indeed, in a close K-League, Daejeon are now just six points off a playoff spot, and with the next three games being played at home, Citizen fans will hope that this win provides a catalyst for a playoff push.
MOM: Park Sung-Ho
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Mystery Trialist with Daejeon
by Liam Birch
A mystery foreign player has been spotted training with Daejeon Citizen. The identity of the player, pictured below, is as yet unknown. It is thought that head coach Kim Ho is on the lookout for new foreign players having released Brazilian ChiChi and as a replacement for the out of favour Eric Obinna.
More news as we get it.
A mystery foreign player has been spotted training with Daejeon Citizen. The identity of the player, pictured below, is as yet unknown. It is thought that head coach Kim Ho is on the lookout for new foreign players having released Brazilian ChiChi and as a replacement for the out of favour Eric Obinna.
More news as we get it.
Monday 1 June 2009
Daejeon Handed Favourable FA Cup Draw
by Liam Birch
Daejeon Citizen have been handed a home draw against Gyeonghee University in the last 16 of the FA Cup. The draw represents an excellent opportunity for Daejeon to advance to the quarter finals for the first time since 2007, when they went down 2-0 against Busan I'Park.
Daejeon were however knocked out at the first round stage last year against Yonsei University, so safe passage is not a foregone conclusion.
The game will take place at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on July 1st. It is expected to be free of charge.
Daejeon Citizen have been handed a home draw against Gyeonghee University in the last 16 of the FA Cup. The draw represents an excellent opportunity for Daejeon to advance to the quarter finals for the first time since 2007, when they went down 2-0 against Busan I'Park.
Daejeon were however knocked out at the first round stage last year against Yonsei University, so safe passage is not a foregone conclusion.
The game will take place at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on July 1st. It is expected to be free of charge.
Report: Daejeon Citizen 4 - 2 Vasco da Gama (Friendly)
by Liam Birch at Daejeon World Cup Stadium
Daejeon produced an outstanding display to see off the challenge of Brazilian visitors Vasco da Gama on Saturday. In front of the largest attendance this season, Daejeon did not disappoint and will have sent the thousands of fans, many of them attending their first game, home happy.
Daejeon signalled their intent by attacking from the outset. In fact, in a largely uneventful first half, Citizen barely looked troubled. The frustration was clear to see from Vasco as Daejeon limited their strikers to several long-range shots that sailed harmlessly over Choi Eun-Song's goal.
Daejeon themselves were finding lots of room down the flanks and expertly exploited the Brazilian's back three despite misplacing almost all of their crosses. Daejeon finally broke the deadlock just before half time. Vasco failed to deal with a high ball lofted deep from midfield and the ball dropped kindly to lone striker Park Sung-Ho. His well placed half volley gave the keeper no chance and ensured that Daejeon would take a one goal lead going into the break.
The second half started as the first ended with Daejeon very much in the ascendancy. The home side doubled their lead on the hour mark as, finally a cross of real quality was met by the head of Kwon Jib who glanced his header beyond the reach of the despairing goalkeeper.
Vasco barely had time to come to terms with the second goal when the third game. Again exploiting the empty space down the flanks, a nice pass picked out Kwon Jib on the edge of the area. The midfielder took a touch before curling a beautiful shot just inside the far post. Daejeon were in dreamland and looked a completely different side to the one that had lost so poorly against Seongnam on Wednesday.
The Brazilians would strike back twice in quick succession however. The first, a penalty, came after a clear foul, and was expertly put away by the Vasco forward. Minutes later, a scrambled effort meant a nervous ending to the game for the Daejeon faithful.
The game was put to rest however by man of the match Kwon Jib, who completed his hat-trick with a well placed effort with just four minutes remaining. Daejeon's Brazilian import Babel, who Vasco would probably do well to sign on this display, played a wonderful pass for the unmarked Kwon Jib to calmly finish off Vasco.
It was a wonderful display from Citizen and will leave their long suffering fans wondering why they cannot produce this kind of performance in the league.
MOM: Kwon Jib
Daejeon produced an outstanding display to see off the challenge of Brazilian visitors Vasco da Gama on Saturday. In front of the largest attendance this season, Daejeon did not disappoint and will have sent the thousands of fans, many of them attending their first game, home happy.
Daejeon signalled their intent by attacking from the outset. In fact, in a largely uneventful first half, Citizen barely looked troubled. The frustration was clear to see from Vasco as Daejeon limited their strikers to several long-range shots that sailed harmlessly over Choi Eun-Song's goal.
Daejeon themselves were finding lots of room down the flanks and expertly exploited the Brazilian's back three despite misplacing almost all of their crosses. Daejeon finally broke the deadlock just before half time. Vasco failed to deal with a high ball lofted deep from midfield and the ball dropped kindly to lone striker Park Sung-Ho. His well placed half volley gave the keeper no chance and ensured that Daejeon would take a one goal lead going into the break.
The second half started as the first ended with Daejeon very much in the ascendancy. The home side doubled their lead on the hour mark as, finally a cross of real quality was met by the head of Kwon Jib who glanced his header beyond the reach of the despairing goalkeeper.
Vasco barely had time to come to terms with the second goal when the third game. Again exploiting the empty space down the flanks, a nice pass picked out Kwon Jib on the edge of the area. The midfielder took a touch before curling a beautiful shot just inside the far post. Daejeon were in dreamland and looked a completely different side to the one that had lost so poorly against Seongnam on Wednesday.
The Brazilians would strike back twice in quick succession however. The first, a penalty, came after a clear foul, and was expertly put away by the Vasco forward. Minutes later, a scrambled effort meant a nervous ending to the game for the Daejeon faithful.
The game was put to rest however by man of the match Kwon Jib, who completed his hat-trick with a well placed effort with just four minutes remaining. Daejeon's Brazilian import Babel, who Vasco would probably do well to sign on this display, played a wonderful pass for the unmarked Kwon Jib to calmly finish off Vasco.
It was a wonderful display from Citizen and will leave their long suffering fans wondering why they cannot produce this kind of performance in the league.
MOM: Kwon Jib
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