Will Wonder Rookie be able to finish 2024 with his year as he makes his national team debut?
Gangwon FC lost 0-2 to FC Seoul in the 28th round of the “Hana Bank K League 1 2024” at 7:30 p.m. on the 24th at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
With the victory, Seoul recorded 45 points (13 wins, six draws and nine losses), ranking third, tied with Ulsan Hyundai, which has played one less game, or multiple points. Notably, the team garnered five consecutive wins for the first time since the 2016 season. Seoul, which had five consecutive wins under Hwang Sun-hong in the 2016 season, won the last league championship. On top of this, Seoul showed off its unstoppable momentum in the second half of the year with six consecutive home wins.
Leading the pack, Gangwon had four consecutive wins. With only 50 points (15 wins, five draws and eight losses), Gangwon has narrowed the gap depending on the results of its second-ranked Gimcheon Sangmu (46 points), who played one less game. Notably, the team ended up with one draw and two losses in three matches with Seoul this season, dragging down the team at every critical moment.
It was a big match as the two teams were so strong before the match. However, when I opened the lid, Seoul won the match completely. As Seoul secured a complete victory, which is the most anticipated match in the second half of the year, Seoul is set to challenge for the title in earnest. It is the first five consecutive wins since the 2016 championship season.
The game was too difficult for Gangwon. Due to the somewhat damaged grass at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, Gangwon failed to break through the “Plan A” side. From pass strength to dribbling, conditions were all challenging. In addition, the pressure from 35,000 spectators was also a big burden.
On the day, Yang Min-hyuk, a prospective Premier Leaguer who had been drawing keen attention as he had a showdown with former Premier League player Lingard, also struggled. Placed to the right, he worked with Hwang to beat Seoul’s sides, but had difficulty as space did not come out properly. Eventually, he left the stadium at 25 minutes in the second half after replacing Ha Ji-chi. His team also allowed two goals in the first half alone, leaving a regret.
“It was a difficult game. I’m sorry I couldn’t win. The atmosphere was so different from that of Gangneung. I didn’t have many chances to play in front of a large crowd, so I had to adapt,” Yang said in an interview with Mix Zone. “The tension was greater than that of other games. I think it is the players’ ability to adapt quickly to such situations.”
“Honestly, I couldn’t take advantage of my strengths at all. I don’t think I was blocked by a foreign defender (yazan). It’s not about Korean or foreign defenders, but I just didn’t have good condition or performance personally. It was a game that I was not good at compared to my opponent.”
Yang Min-hyuk, who was already on Tottenham’s radar in the summer transfer market, is scheduled to transfer. Before the match, Yoon Jung-hwan, the coach, praised Yang Min-hyuk for learning English to advance overseas. “Actually, I am talking to many foreign players as much as possible. Other players are also kind to me, teaching me English,” he stressed.
Yang has accomplished many things in just half a season including Gangwon’s leading competition and joining Tottenham, but there is another big event ahead. The list of players to play in the preliminary round for the 2026 World Cup in North Korea and the U.S., which will be announced on Wednesday. Attention is focusing on whether Hong Myung-bo will elect Yang, who is flying with eight goals and five assists this season.
Asked if he had received any contact from the Korea Football Association (KFA), Yang said, “There was no prior contact. I am not looking forward to selecting the national team, but I would like to show good performance if given,” adding, “But I will not be disappointed if I don’t get selected. As it is my first season as a pro, I feel a lot that physical strength and physical management are important.” 안전놀이터
Yang Min-hyuk, the biggest star in the K-League this season. In fact, he not only scored eight goals and five assists, but also became a rising star as he led the competition for Gangwon starting from joining Tottenham. Attention is focusing on whether he will be able to make 2024 his year completely his own as he made his debut in the national team.