K League Cup Preview: Jeju United Eager to Avenge Last Year’s Defeat, Pohang Steelers Suffer Three Consecutive Losses

On August 21 at 18:30, the first leg of the K League Cup semi-final, Jeju United will host Pohang Steelers at the Jeju World Cup Stadium. According to weather forecasts, this match will be played in the rain under high temperatures (31 degrees).

The two teams have different histories in the cup competitions. Although Pohang Steelers have not won the league championship in the past ten seasons, they are the defending champions of the K League Cup and are tied for the most wins in the tournament with five titles. Jeju United has never won the K League Cup, their last appearance in the final was in 2004. In these twenty years, they have reached the semi-finals five times (2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2023), but failed to advance each time. In last season’s semi-final, Jeju United was eliminated by Pohang Steelers (in a penalty shootout), so this game is not only a revenge match for Jeju United, but also an opportunity to wash away the humiliation of the past 20 years.

Both teams have not been in good form recently. Jeju United has won one and lost three in their last four games, mainly due to problems in attack, scoring only one goal in four matches. Pohang Steelers have suffered three consecutive losses in the league, scoring in all three games but conceding six goals, showing a strong offense but weak defense.

In terms of head-to-head results, Jeju United has a slight advantage with 4 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses in the last 10 encounters. When playing at home against Pohang Steelers, Jeju United has 5 wins and 8 undefeated matches out of the last 10, indicating a more significant advantage.

Regarding personnel, Jeju United’s captain, midfielder Choi Yong-jun, continues to be absent due to ligament issues. He made 9 appearances in the K League before his injury. Pohang Steelers’ midfielder Kim Jong-un is absent due to a calf injury, having made 14 appearances and scored 2 goals in the K League this season.

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