Kim Seung-dae and Shin Kwang-hoon of the professional soccer K League 1 Pohang Steelers said they were happier to win the title than when they won it 10 years ago.
Pohang came from behind to win the Hana OneQ FA Cup 2023 final against Jeonbuk 4-2 at the Pohang Steel Yard on Thursday to claim the trophy. Pohang, who had defeated Jeonbuk in the 2013 final in a penalty shootout to win the title, won again against Jeonbuk on this day and won the title for the first time in 10 years.
Pohang also celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, making it a significant win for the club in its milestone year. The win also marks Pohang’s fifth FA Cup title, tying them with their opponents, Jeonbuk, and Suwon Samsung for the most titles in the competition (five).
The win is especially special for Kim Seung-dae and Shin Kwang-hoon, the only players on Pohang’s current squad who experienced the 2013 title.
A decade ago, as a rookie in his first year as a professional, Kim scored a goal to help Pohang win the title, and this time, as a veteran and captain, he led the team to victory again.
“I’m happier now than I was then, and it’s more meaningful because I won the title as captain of a team,” Kim joked, adding, “I thought I’d get MVP as captain.”
“I could see that Jeonbuk was getting tired of pressuring us, but when they get tired, we get more energy. Jeonbuk is a good team, but when we play the way we want to play, they strangely always fall apart,” he said, explaining the secret of the upset victory.
“When I came back to Pohang after 10 years, I didn’t know anyone but four or five players. Still, I played the soccer I used to play, the soccer I love. Pohang always tries to play the same soccer without changing, and it has that power,” he said, praising Pohang’s soccer philosophy.
Shin Kwang-hoon, who, along with Kim Seung-dae, repeated the victory after 10 years, had a dizzying experience on the day. He conceded a penalty in the fifth minute of the second half, giving Gustavo the opportunity to score. 토토사이트
“I conceded the goal (due to my mistake), but there was still time left, so I believed I could keep up with them by one goal. I honestly didn’t think we’d come back with four goals, but I’m grateful to my juniors,” he said with a wry smile.
“Yesterday, I also watched the game from 10 years ago when we won the title, so I think it helped to bring back a lot of good memories and give it meaning,” he added.
Shin Kwang-hoon also revealed that this victory was more meaningful than the one he won 10 years ago. “This time, the team was in trouble because of me, and I’m more happy that we were able to overcome that and win the title,” he explained.