| The Pohang Steelers will play the ‘2021 Asian Football Federation Champions League (ACL)’ final match against Al Hilal FC (Saudi Arabia) at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, at 1 am on the 24th. ACL final poster. |
Pohang Steelers, betting on the pride of Korean football, took the lead in Asia.
The Pohang Steelers will play the ‘2021 Asian Football Federation Champions League (ACL)’ final match against Al Hilal FC (Saudi Arabia) at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, at 1 am on the 24th. This year’s ACL final is a one-shot match due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pohang won the Asian Club Championship for the first time by defeating Cheonan Ilhwa in the 1996-97 Asian Club Championship. The following year, he defeated Dalian Wanda, China, and won the tournament for the second time in a row, becoming a leader in Asia. In 2009, after the Asian Club Championship was reorganized into the AFC Champions League, Pohang defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad to claim their third career title. At that time, Pohang became the team with the most wins in Asian club competitions by defeating Al Ittihad, who had won the same two times.
Pohang alone held the most ACL titles for 10 years. However, Al Hilal won the ACL in 2019 and shared the record. In the midst of this, Pohang, the team with the most ACL titles, and Al Hilal will face off for the title of the team with the most wins in their career. The winning team will win the title of the most winning team.
In 2009, Kim Ki-dong, who experienced the ACL championship as a player at the time, is challenging for the championship as a manager this time.
If Pohang wins, Kim Ki-dong will have the experience of winning the ACL as a player and manager. If you include the Asian Club Championship record, the predecessor of the ACL, it is the second record after coach Shin Tae-yong (Ilhwa Chunma player in 1995, Seongnam Ilhwa manager in 2010).
In order to write a new history, Pohang has to pour out everything in a single game.
Pohang has prepared everything in the meantime. As I decided to stay in the K League 1 early, I felt more relaxed, and I was able to go all-in in preparation for the ACL final. Manager Kim and the coaches finished analyzing opponents’ power and preparing tactics, and the team steadily digested customized tactical training and practice games through physical recovery. The team, who entered Saudi Arabia on the 18th, focused on adapting to the local area and made every effort to manage their condition and maintain a sense of the game.
The final opponent, Al Hilal, is a club with a long history as a member of the Saudi Professional League. King Fahd International Stadium, where the finals are held, is used as home. Al Hilal boasts a splendid squad and has the most wins (17) in the Saudi league. In particular, he achieved the treble by winning the ACL, League, and Kings Cup in the 2019-20 season. In the 2020-21 season, they are a strong team that is enjoying a period of revival, such as winning the league for the second time in a row. Jang Hyun-soo, a former national team member, is in charge of the defense of this team.
Pohang must overcome the unfamiliar environment of the expedition and the unilateral support of Al Hilal fans.
Pohang, who is inferior in every way, is showing a strong will to win, saying that they will live up to the expectations of their fans.
Shin Jin-ho said, “I will raise the trophy regardless of fire for the fans and the citizens of Pohang.” Im Sang-hyeop, who has scored 9 goals in the ACL career, said, “I think this final will be the biggest game of my life.”
Director Kim Ki-dong said, “I will do my best to achieve the beauty of Yujong as I made it to the final in difficult circumstances.”
By Kim Ki-tae, staff reporter ktk@yeongnam.com
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