Pohang Steelers 2 - 2 Daejeon Citizen

By Liam Birch at Pohang Steelyard Stadium

Daejeon Citizen almost brought Pohang Steelers impressive unbeaten K-League run to an end on Sunday, only to be denied by a last gasp equalizer from the hosts.

Daejeon were twice ahead in this encounter and looked like taking a very unlikely three points, however, Pohang's intricate passing and the constant threat of their forward line ultimately ensured that the Steelers retain their unbeaten record.

Pohang, fielding two ex-Daejeon favourites in Kim Hyeong Il and Denilson, looked to have taken the lead after just two minutes. A cross from the left wasn't dealt with by the Citizen defence and the ball was bundled home by the Pohang attacker. The hosts' celebrations were short lived however as the linesman on the far side had ruled the goal offside.

Daejeon may well have expected ongoing pressure from Pohang but it was in fact Daejeon who took the lead on 13 minutes. Brazilian Ale, playing in place of the suspended Stevan Racic, played a beautiful ball into the box from the left which was met by the head of the totally unmarked Park Sung-Ho to give Daejeon a shock lead.

The pace of former Citizen striker Denilson, now 33, was causing all sorts of problems for the Daejeon back line and he almost levelled soon after. He was played in by a long ball and used his pace to get past the defender before shooting on the half volley. Luckily for Citizen however, trusty goalkeeper Choi Eun Sung managed to tip the ball around the near post.

Pohang again came close midway through the first half with an effort that free-kick specialist Ko Chang-Hyeon would have been proud of. Again, luckily for Citizen, with Choi well beaten, the ball flew back off the right hand post. Choi was called into action once again moments later as Denilson found himself free of the last defender, only to see his effort superbly stopped by the legs of the veteran goalkeeper.

Pohang did get the equalizer that they probably just about deserved just before the stroke of half time. Daejeon will be concerned that the Pohang attacker was left completely unmarked to head home and level up the scores.

Still, Daejeon fans went for the half time break more than satisfied and they had plenty to cheer about in the second half too.

Daejeon fans were particularly expectant about the substitute arrival of Ko Chang Hyeon and it took only minutes for him to deliver. His free kick from far out on the left hand side caused havoc in the Pohang defence, missing everyone only to be palmed away by the goalkeeper onto the diving head of the onrushing Daejeon midfielder who headed home to regain the lead for Citizen.

Daejeon supporters were ecstatic at once again shocking the hosts and they continued to defend bravely. Particularly, a last gasp clearance off the line when Choi was beaten denied Kim Hyeong Il a goal against his former club.

Brazilian Valber, who has been the best performer for Daejeon in recent weeks will be having nightmares however at his glaring miss that would have sealed the three points for Citizen. Ko Chang Hyeon's cross from the right left Valber completely unmarked only 6 yards out but he somehow managed to fire his effort wide of the post. It was agonizing for the travelling supporters and would be more so given Pohang's late equalizer.

Daejeon had defended so well but they were again outdone by a set piece that wasn't properly dealt with. A Pohang corner wasn't dealt with again and the header out fell onto the boot of the Pohang forward who fired home his second of the game to break Daejeon hearts.

Daejeon can be very proud of their display and by comments made in the local media, they pulled off a shock by even getting a draw. Daejeon now have a break next week until they continue their push for a playoff place against Jeju the following week.

MOTM: Woo Sung Je