Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Pohang: Son Jun-ho scored the only goal before being sent-off as Korea Republic’s Pohang Steelers moved to the of Group H in the 2016 AFC Champions League with a battling 1-0 win over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds at The Steelyard on Wednesday.
The 2009 AFC Champions League winners took a first half lead as Son converted a penalty given for handball and Pohang were looking comfortable until the goalscorer was sent-off midway through the second half.
But despite the subsequent pressure from 2007 winners Urawa, three-time Asian champions Pohang held on to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign following last week’s goalless draw with defending champions Guangzhou in China.
"This was a tough game. After the sending off, it was frustrating that we were then not able to play the game we wanted," said Pohang coach Choi Jin-cheul.
"We held the ball well in attack and worked hard in midfield and showed excellent movement in wide positions. Defensively, our concentration was very good and we are very happy that we have now kept three consecutive clean sheets in Asia this year.
"We could have played better, but there is no reason to be disappointed, I have only been with the players for two months and we will get better little by little. We are pleased with the progress we have made so far, but still have far to go."
Urawa, who defeated Sydney FC 2-0 in the opening round, could have taken the lead with just three minutes on the clock as Takuya Aoki picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a fierce shot that Pohang goalkeeper Shin Hwa-yong parried to safety.
Pohang, though, started to push forward and came close after 16 minutes as Son played a one-two pass with Lazar Veselinovic at the edge of the area, but the midfielder's low shot just went wide.
But just two minutes later Son was in the thick of the action again as Pohang were awarded a penalty after his shot from a similar position was adjudged to have been handled by Urawa captain Tomoaki Makino and the midfielder stepped up to shoot past goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa.
The game reverted to its cagey opening period with both teams looking to break through but struggling to create clear chances.
But the mood changed in the first minute of the second half as Pohang poured forward and Shim Dong-woon saw his shot palmed left by Urawa goalkeeper Nishikawa before Son hit the underside of the crossbar from Moon Chang-jin’s pull back.
And although the hosts were in top, Urawa created a chance out of nowhere on the hour mark as substitute Shinzo Koroki controlled a low Tsukasa Umesaki cross from the right only to slam his shot against advancing Pohang goalkeeper Shin.
Urawa, though, were then given some hope midway through the second half as Son was sent-off for a second bookable offence.
But it was Pohang who went close again with Nishikawa scrambling to push a Moon shot around the post.
There was still time for Urawa to have their best chance with three minutes remaining as Daisuke Nasu headed Umesaki's cross straight at goalkeeper Shin from point blank range.
"We started the first half a little cautiously, we were struggling to get going and Pohang were a little more aggressive in their play. After we conceded the goal, there was still little change in how the game was playing out," said Urawa coach Mihailo Petrovic.
"In the second half, they had a man sent-off and then the game became one-sided. It was a chance for us, but it is frustrating that we were unable to take our opportunities.
"It was a disappointing result, but there is still a lot of football to be played."
Photo: Lagardère Sports