by Liam Birch at Seongnam Moran Stadium
Daejeon Citizen produced an assured display to register an impressive win over multi-time K-League champions Seongnam on Sunday.
The game, played on the same day as the funeral for former president Kim Dae-Jung, had a largely subdued atmosphere, enhanced by both sets of fans agreeing to not cheer during the first half. The atmosphere seemed to translate on to the pitch, with very few notable efforts from either side. Daejeon, coming off the back of victory over Ulsan, looked comfortable with anything the Seongnam attack threw at them. Seongnam looked sloppy from open play, and rarely threatened from set pieces, particularly against a strong and confident Daejeon defence which dealt with corners and free kicks with ease.
The crowd were awoken from their slumber when on 37 minutes, Kim Han Seob was fed in by a delightful through ball and calmly side footed past the Seongnam keeper. It was no more than Daejeon deserved after a composed first 45 minutes.
As the second half began, and the noise level was raised from the fans, so too the pace of the game quickened. Daejeon again looked dangerous on the break with Seongnam seemingly happy to play the long ball game. The key moment came just before the hour mark when Daejeon won a free kick in a dangerous area. All eyes turned to the sidelines as Ko Chang-Hyeon made his long awaited return from injury. With his first touch of the game, he curled a superb free kick over the Seongnam wall and into the net for his 9th goal of the season. Citizen fans are quickly running out of superlatives to describe this man's free kicks.
Just as things looked comfortable for Citizen, true to form, they conceded just three minutes later from a looping header by Seongnam's Cho. Far from the onslaught expected however, Daejeon regained composure to see out the game and register back to back victories. Much credit must be given to manager Wang Seon Jae who has turned Daejeon from basement boys to real challengers for the playoffs.
Daejeon will look to make it three wins in three at home against Jeonbuk next Sunday.
MOM: Valber
Monday, 24 August 2009
Monday, 17 August 2009
Daejeon Citizen 1 - 0 Ulsan Horang-i
by Liam Birch at Daejeon World Cup Stadium
Daejeon Citizen scored a dramatic late goal to register their first victory over Ulsan for five years on Saturday.
In a game where Daejeon created few clear cut chances, it took a moment of skill from defender Hwang Ji-Yoon from an 87th minute corner to take all three points. Ulsan, themselves having a sub-par season, will feel that they did at least enough to come away with a point from the Purple Arena, and perhaps should have, given the chances they created.
Daejeon had veteran goalkeeper Choi Eun Song to thank for a string excellent saves which highlighted that at the age of 38, he is still one of the most important players in the squad. He was first called into action midway in the first half where an Ulsan through ball left the striker in a one-on-one situation, which Choi did excellently to save with his trailing leg.
Daejeon were mostly restricted to long-range efforts, first from the returning Valber, whose grass-cutting effort was easily saved by the Ulsan keeper, a man who has a lot of previous history with the Citizen fans following his antics in the 2007 playoff game.
Woo Sung-Je, ever lively in attack almost tested the Ulsan keeper towards the end of the half. Cutting inside from the right, his attempted curler into the top right hand corner sailed just over the bar. The fact that this attempt was one of the highlights of the half is testament to the lack of chances created by either side in the first period.
The second half was more of the same, with Ulsan definitely looking the more threatening. Park Sung-Ho toiled away up front, but with just five goals to his name this season, he was never in danger of adding to that tally.
Ulsan however, looked a far more dangerous prospect with former Daejeon man Kim Young-Tae causing problems down the right. It was his cross that almost resulted in a goal. Fortunately for Daejeon, the resulting header looped over the bar.
Daejeon needed to change things around and the introduction of Racic provided just that. It was Racic that won a free kick on the edge of the area after being jumped over by the Ulsan defender. Racic picked himself up before firing a thunderous drive that deflected off the wall and out for a Daejeon corner.
From the resulting corner, Hwang Ji-Yoon put Daejeon ahead. The low corner didn't look like beating the far post until Hwang volleyed home on 87 minutes.
There was still time for Ulsan to almost equalize twice however. First, a header back across Choi's goal was excellently stopped by the keeper. As Ulsan launched a final assault, panic ensued in the area until the ball ran to the Ulsan striker who found himself through on goal. Fortunately for Citizen, Choi dived at his feet to smother the ball in injury time to ensure Daejeon picked up their fourth win of the season.
MOTM: Choi Eun-Song
Daejeon Citizen scored a dramatic late goal to register their first victory over Ulsan for five years on Saturday.
In a game where Daejeon created few clear cut chances, it took a moment of skill from defender Hwang Ji-Yoon from an 87th minute corner to take all three points. Ulsan, themselves having a sub-par season, will feel that they did at least enough to come away with a point from the Purple Arena, and perhaps should have, given the chances they created.
Daejeon had veteran goalkeeper Choi Eun Song to thank for a string excellent saves which highlighted that at the age of 38, he is still one of the most important players in the squad. He was first called into action midway in the first half where an Ulsan through ball left the striker in a one-on-one situation, which Choi did excellently to save with his trailing leg.
Daejeon were mostly restricted to long-range efforts, first from the returning Valber, whose grass-cutting effort was easily saved by the Ulsan keeper, a man who has a lot of previous history with the Citizen fans following his antics in the 2007 playoff game.
Woo Sung-Je, ever lively in attack almost tested the Ulsan keeper towards the end of the half. Cutting inside from the right, his attempted curler into the top right hand corner sailed just over the bar. The fact that this attempt was one of the highlights of the half is testament to the lack of chances created by either side in the first period.
The second half was more of the same, with Ulsan definitely looking the more threatening. Park Sung-Ho toiled away up front, but with just five goals to his name this season, he was never in danger of adding to that tally.
Ulsan however, looked a far more dangerous prospect with former Daejeon man Kim Young-Tae causing problems down the right. It was his cross that almost resulted in a goal. Fortunately for Daejeon, the resulting header looped over the bar.
Daejeon needed to change things around and the introduction of Racic provided just that. It was Racic that won a free kick on the edge of the area after being jumped over by the Ulsan defender. Racic picked himself up before firing a thunderous drive that deflected off the wall and out for a Daejeon corner.
From the resulting corner, Hwang Ji-Yoon put Daejeon ahead. The low corner didn't look like beating the far post until Hwang volleyed home on 87 minutes.
There was still time for Ulsan to almost equalize twice however. First, a header back across Choi's goal was excellently stopped by the keeper. As Ulsan launched a final assault, panic ensued in the area until the ball ran to the Ulsan striker who found himself through on goal. Fortunately for Citizen, Choi dived at his feet to smother the ball in injury time to ensure Daejeon picked up their fourth win of the season.
MOTM: Choi Eun-Song
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Daejeon Sign New Brazilian Midfielder
by Liam Birch
Daejeon Citizen have today announced the new signing of Brazilian midfielder Alexandre.
Daejeon Citizen have today announced the new signing of Brazilian midfielder Alexandre.
The former Figueirense man is expected to make his debut against Daegu on Saturday.
Bore Draw as Gyeongnam hold Daejeon
by Liam Birch at Daejeon World Cup Stadium
An incredibly frustrating game ended in a goalless draw as Gyeongnam held Daejeon at home this last Saturday. In one of the worst games in the history of football, neither side created anything of note in what was a truly dire affair.
Temporary coach Wang gave a first start to Serbian forward Racic, who partnered Park Sung-Ho in the Daejeon attack. This move clearly backfired however, as both players struggled with lack of pace and creative flair.
Daejeon are still without Valber and Ko Chang Hyeon, and it is no coincidence that Citizen have failed to score in the two matches they have missed. It is unlikely that either will feature for the trip to basement club Daegu on Saturday, who will see the game as the ideal opportunity to register only their second win of the season.
The travelling Citizen fans will hope for much better than the diabolical display they saw on Saturday.
MOM: Choi Eun Song
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Report: Suwon Bluewings 1 - 0 Daejeon Citizen
by Liam Birch at Suwon World Cup Stadium.
Daejeon Citizen produced a stubborn display in rain soaked Suwon on Saturday evening but were unable to prevent the reigning K-League champions from taking all three points.
Despite having the lions share of possession, and limiting Suwon to few opportunities, Daejeon were unable to break down a resolute Suwon defence. In truth, Citizen, without the creativity of Ko Chang Hyeon and long-term absentee Valber, never really looked likely to draw level after falling behind early on.
Daejeon started brightly, buoyed on by a large away following for what is traditionally the biggest derby game of the year. The cheers soon turned to groans of despair however, as Suwon took an early lead.
As Daejeon piled forward, a misplaced pass allowed Suwon to launch a superb flowing attack that left the Citizen defence in disarray. Daejeon barely knew what was happening as Suwon quickly sprayed the ball from right to left before firing a deflected shot past Choi Eun Song and into the net. It was a huge blow, coming after only eleven minutes, but Daejeon showed resilience to come back into the game.
Daejeon, attacking almost exclusively down the left hand side, rarely seriously threatened however. Surprise inclusion Kwon Jib fired a volley harmlessly over the bar following a Daejeon corner before the same player, again from a corner, almost got Daejeon level. A tame defensive header fell to Kwon Jib on the edge of the area. His half volley seemed destined for the top corner, but agonisingly drifted just inches over the bar.
Much maligned striker Park Sung Ho was toiling away as the lone striker, and he will think that he should have equalized. A deep ball from Woo Sung Je confused the Suwon defence and left Park alone in the area. His glancing header looped over the Suwon keeper and unfortunately for Daejeon, over the bar.
It would be more of the same in the second half, with Daejeon keeper Choi having very little to do.
As the rain poured down, Daejeon reasserted their dominance from the first half. New signing Stevan Racic was introduced around the hour mark and he immediately started making a nuisance of himself around the Suwon defence. He first won a freekick around the edge of the area that was crying out for Ko Chang Hyeon. Unfortunately, in his absence, the effort was hit tamely at the grateful Suwon keeper.
Tame would most definitely not be the word to describe Racic's thunderous free kick that followed. Lee Je Kyu won a free kick on the edge of the area, before Racic hit a powerful strike that the Suwon keeper could only deflect away. If Daejeon attackers had only anticipated the spill, they could have equalized. Unfortunately, no one reacted and Suwon cleared easily away.
Overall, it was a good performance from Daejeon, and had the missing players been included, it could well have been a different story. Daejeon will feel confident that they can get back to winning ways against out of form Gyeongnam in Daejeon next Sunday.
MOTM: Woo Sung Je
Daejeon Citizen produced a stubborn display in rain soaked Suwon on Saturday evening but were unable to prevent the reigning K-League champions from taking all three points.
Despite having the lions share of possession, and limiting Suwon to few opportunities, Daejeon were unable to break down a resolute Suwon defence. In truth, Citizen, without the creativity of Ko Chang Hyeon and long-term absentee Valber, never really looked likely to draw level after falling behind early on.
Daejeon started brightly, buoyed on by a large away following for what is traditionally the biggest derby game of the year. The cheers soon turned to groans of despair however, as Suwon took an early lead.
As Daejeon piled forward, a misplaced pass allowed Suwon to launch a superb flowing attack that left the Citizen defence in disarray. Daejeon barely knew what was happening as Suwon quickly sprayed the ball from right to left before firing a deflected shot past Choi Eun Song and into the net. It was a huge blow, coming after only eleven minutes, but Daejeon showed resilience to come back into the game.
Daejeon, attacking almost exclusively down the left hand side, rarely seriously threatened however. Surprise inclusion Kwon Jib fired a volley harmlessly over the bar following a Daejeon corner before the same player, again from a corner, almost got Daejeon level. A tame defensive header fell to Kwon Jib on the edge of the area. His half volley seemed destined for the top corner, but agonisingly drifted just inches over the bar.
Much maligned striker Park Sung Ho was toiling away as the lone striker, and he will think that he should have equalized. A deep ball from Woo Sung Je confused the Suwon defence and left Park alone in the area. His glancing header looped over the Suwon keeper and unfortunately for Daejeon, over the bar.
It would be more of the same in the second half, with Daejeon keeper Choi having very little to do.
As the rain poured down, Daejeon reasserted their dominance from the first half. New signing Stevan Racic was introduced around the hour mark and he immediately started making a nuisance of himself around the Suwon defence. He first won a freekick around the edge of the area that was crying out for Ko Chang Hyeon. Unfortunately, in his absence, the effort was hit tamely at the grateful Suwon keeper.
Tame would most definitely not be the word to describe Racic's thunderous free kick that followed. Lee Je Kyu won a free kick on the edge of the area, before Racic hit a powerful strike that the Suwon keeper could only deflect away. If Daejeon attackers had only anticipated the spill, they could have equalized. Unfortunately, no one reacted and Suwon cleared easily away.
Overall, it was a good performance from Daejeon, and had the missing players been included, it could well have been a different story. Daejeon will feel confident that they can get back to winning ways against out of form Gyeongnam in Daejeon next Sunday.
MOTM: Woo Sung Je
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Depleted Daejeon Gear up for Suwon Test
Daejeon Citizen travel to arch-rivals Suwon tomorrow with a severely depleted squad. Influential players Valber, Kwon Jib and Ko Chang Hyeon will all miss the big showdown due to injury or suspension.
New signing Stevan Racic is expected to start alongside Park Sung Ho in attack.
Kick off is 7.30pm at Suwon World Cup Stadium. MBC-ESPN will also be showing the second half live.
New signing Stevan Racic is expected to start alongside Park Sung Ho in attack.
Kick off is 7.30pm at Suwon World Cup Stadium. MBC-ESPN will also be showing the second half live.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Daejeon Through to Semi-Finals
Daejeon Citizen have qualified for the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Na Gwang Hyeon scored in normal time to ensure a 1-1 scoreline thus taking the game to extra time. After no further goals were scored in extra time, the game went to penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Choi Eun-Song was the hero as Daejeon won 5-3 on penalties to book their place in the semis.
Daejeon will face either Suwon, Seongnam or Jeonuk in the semi-finals.
Na Gwang Hyeon scored in normal time to ensure a 1-1 scoreline thus taking the game to extra time. After no further goals were scored in extra time, the game went to penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Choi Eun-Song was the hero as Daejeon won 5-3 on penalties to book their place in the semis.
Daejeon will face either Suwon, Seongnam or Jeonuk in the semi-finals.
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