The moment Lee Sang Hyup’s free kick bounded off the top of the goal post during the additional one minute of the second half, Jeju United was bitterly disappointed. Jeju United’s journey to win the AFC Champions League will not all be smooth sailing. Jeju suffered a 1-nil defeat at home to the Tianjin Teda during the first round of group E matches on March 1.
In the 8th minute of the first half, Santos of Jeju United made a strong shot from the right side in front of the goal but the ball missed the left side of the net. Fans were clearly disappointed.
Also, in the 14th minute of the first half, Kim Eun Jung received a lobed pass from Bak Hyun Beom with his chest, spun his body and shot the ball that steered above the goal post. Jeju were clearly in control of the first half.
However, in the second half, Jeju fought a hard battle against the strong Jeju wind. Tianjin Teda striker Yu Dabao dived for the right cross from Xiaobin and the ball went into the goal mesh.
Jeju United pulled on the reins, substituting Kang Joon Woo and Lee Sang Hyup for Ma Chul Jun and Bae Ki Jong. Nevertheless, Jeju could not create solid chances due to being obstructed by the defensive force of Tianjin. They tried to make chances, substituting Lee Hyun Ho for Shin Young Rok in the 36th minute of the second half, but this move turned out to be futile.
In particular, Jeju had several free kicks but couldn’t succeed at all, with the ball being deflected by the other team or going over the cross bar. Jeju couldn’t defend Yu Dabao bringing crisis upon themselves several times, which finally yielded the final and only goal of the match.
Lee Sang Hyup’s free kick during injury time was beat by the cross bar, resulting in the chance of the game ending in a draw go up in flames.
Jeju will take on Melbourne in an away game in the second round of Group E of the Asia Champions League on March 15.
Park Sang Seop, Jeju Ilbo reporter
(Translation by Kim Jung Lim) <Jeju Weekly>
<Park Sang Seop contributor@jejuweekly.comⓒ Jeju Weekly All rights reserved>
