Suwon Samsung Starting To Gain Momentum

By: Brett | August 4th, 2009

Senol Gunes knew. He knew that even though his side may have been unlucky to lose just over a week ago to the second best team in the world, they had just been comprehensively beaten by the eleventh best team in Korea.

He knew it. And to his credit, he didn’t try to hide it. “I would like to congratulate Suwon for the win,” he commented at the post match press conference, “…and I think that this is a springboard for them to reach the playoffs.”

He may well be right, too. Goals from a North Korean and a Brazilian were the difference at the Big Bird Stadium in Suwon on Saturday night as the Bluewings did it easy in the second Jijidae derby of the season. The three points made it 13 from the last 21 on offer and moved them back into their highest point this season – eleventh. Only three points from the sixth and final play-off spot. With ten rounds to go, the defending champions are finally gaining momentum.

This momentum was surely further aided in midweek. The signing of the diminutive yet undeniably classy Kim Do-Hyeon from recently relegated West Bromich Albion, could prove to be massive. The 2006 K-League Player of the Year struggled with form and injuries in England, but now he’s home, fit and raring to go. The Bluewings still have a helluva lot of work to do, but they’re coming good when it matters.

Unlike Jeonbuk Hyundai. On a weekend where the top five could only pick up one point between them, the biggest losers were once again the team from Jeonju. Last weekend they threw away the lead, a golden chance to retake it from the penalty spot and then top spot against a clearly inferior Ulsan Hyundai.

This weekend they managed to do it again. Seoul’s loss the night before gave “The Greens” a chance to once more go top. And once more, they took an early lead, this time through Brazilian Eninho. And then, once more, they blew it. Choi Kang-Hee’s men somehow contrived to concede three second half goals to a jet lagged and fatigued Seongnam Ilhwa side who had barely been back in the country three days.

The importance of the match wasn’t lost on the Jeonbuk manager. ”We would have gone top if we had won this game but there are many games remaining and we have a two-week break in which to regroup.”

True, it may not be panic stations just yet, but Choi must surely be a worried man. With Pohang now unbeaten in nine, FC Seoul likely to return to form sooner rather than later and teams like Suwon Samsung coming into form, he’ll be eager to get his team back on track as soon as possible.

Round 18 Happennings

There was some good news for FC Seoul this week. They’ve finally rid themselves of the K-League’s answer to Gabi Heinze, defender Kevin Haftachi. The Frenchmen had been a disaster ever since his arrival in the capital, and will be missed by no-one. Another positive piece of news was the signing of Brazilian striker Anderson from Turkish club, Eskisheirspor. Another striker was sorely needed, as Dejan Damjanovic’s spectacular form won’t last forever, and Jung Jo-Gook is certainly not as reliable as he used to be.

Gwangju Sangmu are in deep trouble. Their 1-0 loss at home to lowly Busan I’Park on Saturday was there fourth straight. They’re still in fourth spot, but next weekends meeting with Incheon United now a massive game.

Why? Because Incheon lost 3-2 at Gangwon FC on Sunday. A double from Kim Young-Hoo either side of one from Kwon Kyoung-Ho completed a dynamic comeback and an inaugural evening to remember in their new stadium in Chuncheon. A loss next weekend could see Incheon drop out of the play-off spots for the first time this season.

Daegu FC finally snapped their losing streak at six matches. They may have only taken a point from their clash with fellow strugglers Daejeon Citizens, but that’s better than nothing at this point of their season.

Classy right back Oh Beom-Sok returned to the K-League with Ulsan Hyundai after a stint in Siberia. Playing soccer.

Results: Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma 3-1 Jeonbuk Hyundai; Gangwon FC 3-2 Incheon United; Daegu FC 2-2 Daejeon; Ulsan Hyundai 2-2 Pohang Steelers; Gwangju Sangmu 0-1 Busan I’Park; Suwon Samsung 2-0 FC Seoul; Gyeongnam FC 0-0 Jeju United; Bye – Chunnam Dragons.

Top 5: 1. FC Seoul (33) 2. Jeonbuk Hyundai (32) 3. Pohang Steelers (29) 4. Gwangju Sangmu (29) 5. Incheon United (24).