Pohang cried and laughed at the referee’s decision…
Pohang Steelers, who are in second place in professional soccer K-League 1, were unable to narrow the gap with the leader significantly.
Pohang finished the game with Incheon United 1-1 in the 34th round of the Hana One Q K League 1 2023 Final A held at Pohang Steel Yard on the 20th. No wins in the last 4 consecutive games (3 draws, 1 loss). One point was added to reach 59 points, but leader Ulsan Hyundai (67 points) has not yet played the 34th round.
On this day, Pohang placed Jeka at the forefront and was supported by Hangzhou Asian Games gold medalist Ko Young-jun and others.
In the 20th minute of the first half, Pohang had a chance to take the lead.
When Han Chan-hee’s shot from the center of the penalty area was blocked by Incheon’s goalkeeper Kim Dong-heon, Jeong Jae-hee, who returned after six months due to a hamstring injury, pushed in and shook the goal net.
However, offside was pointed out through a VAR check and the goal was not recognized.
Unfortunately, Pohang gave up the first goal to Incheon Gerso six minutes later. The problem was that goalkeeper Hwang In-jae failed to handle the ball properly.
Pohang, who entered the second half trailing by one goal, attempted a counterattack with a series of substitution cards.
The equalizer came in the 32nd minute of the second half.
A penalty kick was awarded when Zeka fell in a contest with Incheon defender Kim Dong-min.
Zeka’s shot as a kicker was blocked by Kim Dong-heon, but the referee ruled that Kim Dong-heon’s foot fell off the line before Zeka kicked it, so the shot was kicked again.
Zeka did not miss his second attempt, hitting the net with his right foot to score his 11th goal of the season. It was the moment that broke Pohang’s scoreless streak that had continued for the past three games.
Pohang, with momentum, tried to turn the tables, but at the end of the second half, both Hong Yun-sang and Ko Young-jun’s shots were blocked and they had to be satisfied with a draw.
Incheon continued its 5-game undefeated streak (2 wins, 3 draws), surpassing Daegu FC (49 points, 38 points) in points, and moved up one place to 5th place (49 points, 39 points).
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