On a humid evening at Gimcheon Sports Complex on June 14, 2025, Gimcheon Sangmu extended their dominance over Pohang Steelers with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the 18th round of the K League 1 season. The match, witnessed by approximately 2,600 passionate fans, saw Gimcheon break a four-game winless streak and notch their fifth consecutive win against Pohang, climbing to fourth place in the league standings with 28 points.
Gimcheon’s head coach Jeong Jeong-yong opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Lee Ju-hyeon in goal, backed by defenders Jo Hyun-taek, Park Chan-yong, Kim Min-deok, and Kim Kang-san. The midfield featured Kim Seung-seop, Lee Seung-won, Maeng Seong-ung, and Lee Dong-jun, with Yoo Kang-hyun and Lee Dong-gyeong spearheading the attack. Pohang, managed by Park Tae-ha, lined up in a traditional 4-4-2, with goalkeeper Hwang In-jae guarding the net, a defensive line of Uh Jeong-won, Han Hyeon-seo, Jeon Min-gwang, and Shin Kwang-hoon, midfielders Joo Ning-yo, Overdan, Kim Dong-jin, and Kang Min-jun, and forwards Lee Ho-jae and Jorge pressing forward.
The match kicked off with Gimcheon immediately showing intent. In the 6th minute, a promising attack saw Lee Dong-gyeong break into the box, attempting a header against the advancing goalkeeper. His effort was skillfully cleared by Pohang defender Han Hyeon-seo, denying the early lead. Shortly after, in the 8th minute, Yoo Kang-hyun unleashed a left-footed shot from distance, but it was comfortably saved by Pohang’s Hwang In-jae.
Despite Pohang’s efforts, Gimcheon maintained the pressure. Pohang responded tactically in the 28th minute, making early substitutions due to injury concerns: Joo Ning-yo was replaced by Kim In-sung, and Kang Min-jun gave way to Lee Tae-seok. However, these changes could not stem the tide. Just moments after the substitutions, in the 29th minute, Lee Seung-won threaded a sharp through ball into the space behind Pohang’s defense, finding Lee Dong-jun. Demonstrating calm composure, Lee Dong-jun sprinted forward and fired a precise right-footed shot into the left corner of the net, marking his third goal of the season and breaking the deadlock.
Gimcheon’s goal ignited the atmosphere, but Pohang fought back. In the 21st minute of the first half, Joo Ning-yo’s header from a cross tested Gimcheon’s goalkeeper Lee Ju-hyeon, who made a crucial save to keep the lead intact. Pohang earned a corner kick in the 33rd minute but failed to convert, and the half ended with Gimcheon leading 1-0.
At halftime, Gimcheon’s coach Jeong Jeong-yong reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “Recent results have been foggy, but our performance has always been strong.” His words rang true as Gimcheon’s tactical discipline and quick counterattacks kept Pohang on the back foot.
The second half began with an early substitution for Gimcheon, as Lee Dong-jun was replaced by debutant Jeon Byeong-kwan, a promising recruit wearing the number 10 jersey. Gimcheon also introduced Park Sang-hyeok and Oh In-pyo in the 14th minute to inject fresh energy into their midfield and attack. Park Sang-hyeok quickly made an impact, driving into the box and unleashing a powerful right-footed shot in the 21st minute that struck the right goalpost, eliciting gasps from the home crowd but no goal.
Pohang responded by shuffling their lineup, bringing on Hwang Seo-woong and Hong Yoon-sang for Shin Kwang-hoon and Kim Dong-jin, and later Lee Heon-jae to bolster their offensive options. The Steelers pressed hard, with Jorge nearly equalizing in the 10th minute after a physical tussle inside the box involving Gimcheon’s Lee Ju-hyeon and Kim Min-deok. Jorge’s shot, however, hit the side netting, and a foul was called, nullifying the threat.
As the match wore on, Gimcheon adopted a 'locked-down' defensive strategy, effectively stifling Pohang’s attempts to find an equalizer. The humid conditions appeared to sap the energy of both teams, resulting in fewer clear-cut chances during the final stages. Gimcheon’s backline remained resolute, with goalkeeper Lee Ju-hyeon and defenders Kim Min-deok and Park Chan-yong executing crucial interventions to maintain the slender lead.
The referee added six minutes of stoppage time in the second half, but Pohang’s efforts to breach Gimcheon’s defense were in vain. The match concluded with Gimcheon Sangmu securing a vital 1-0 victory, further cementing their psychological edge over Pohang with an unblemished five-match winning streak against the Steelers.
This win was especially significant for Gimcheon, breaking their recent run of two draws and two losses, and propelling them to fourth place in the fiercely competitive K League 1 table. Lee Dong-jun’s decisive goal underscored his growing importance to the team, marking his third goal of the season after scoring against Gangwon on May 11.
Gimcheon’s coach Jeong Jeong-yong praised his team’s collective effort post-match, emphasizing their strong organization and swift counterattacking play as key factors in overcoming a Pohang side eager to halt their losing streak. The victory not only boosts Gimcheon’s confidence but also intensifies the competitive race in the league as the season progresses.
With this win, Gimcheon Sangmu continues to build momentum, while Pohang Steelers face the challenge of regrouping and finding solutions to break their unfavorable run against Gimcheon. The K League 1 season remains wide open, and both teams will be looking ahead to their upcoming fixtures with renewed determination.
