Latest news with #UlsanHD
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ulsan's coach eyes Mamelodi Sundowns scalp
'As a team representing Korea and Asia, we're under pressure to perform well against clubs from other continents,' he said. Kim Pan-gon, head coach of Ulsan HD is interviewed during the FIFA Club World Cup access day on March 13, 2025 in Ulsan, South Korea. (Photo by FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) Ulsan HD head coach Kim Pangon has set his sights on guiding the South Korean team into the knockout stage of this month's upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America. Kim underlined the importance of their opening match against Betway Premiership Mamelodi Sundowns who are one of four CAF representatives at the global spectacle. ALSO READ: OPINION: Flemming Berg owes Sundowns fans answers The Brazilians and Ulsan will clash on June 17 at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando. Kim has labelled the clash against Sundowns a must-win encounter that could define their path forward. Sundowns and Ulsan are drawn in Group F alongside German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund and Brazil's Fluminense. 'As a team representing Korea and Asia, we're under pressure to perform well against clubs from other continents,' he said in an interview with 'I believe advancing to the Round of 16 is crucial, and our first match against Mamelodi Sundowns will be key. After that, it will be important to narrow the gap and pick up points against Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund.' Ulsan earned their place in the expanded Club World Cup through the ranking pathway for their consistent performance in the AFC Champions League Elite between 2021 and 2023. 'I believe that this format, with 32 teams competing, will attract significant global attention. It's a great opportunity to compete against world-class teams,' Kim added. 'I'm sure that both the Koreans living in the United States and fans back home will be looking forward to seeing how Ulsan HD can do. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to acquit ourselves well. 'As Ulsan participates in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, many Korean-Americans will have high expectations. We hope many people will come to the stadium to support us, and we will do our best to perform competitively and achieve good results so our fans can be proud. 'In international tournaments like the World Cup, Asian teams have often faced many challenges. We may encounter such difficulties this time as well. However, if we can capitalise on the speed and technique of Asian football, we'll be able to be competitive.' ALSO READ: Why Ahly's Riveiro does not want to sign Pirates players K League 1 champions Usan have only lifted the AFC Champions League trophy just twice in their history, first in 2012 and most recently in 2020. Africa will also be represented by Egypt's Al-Ahly, Espérance of Tunisia and Morocco's Wydad Casablanca.
Korea Herald
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
Ulsan HD coach feels 'significant responsibility' as lone S. Korean team at FIFA Club World Cup
Representing South Korea at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup this summer will bring both a sense of pride and responsibility to Ulsan HD FC, head coach Kim Pan-gon said. In a recent interview with FIFA, Kim spoke of doing the country proud at the tournament featuring 32 of the world's best football clubs. The United States will host the tournament from June 14 to July 13. "I feel proud, but I also acknowledge the significant responsibility in representing South Korea and the Asian continent," Kim said in a video clip released to Yonhap News Agency late Friday. "We need to compete strongly against teams from other continents. I also feel we are duty bound to come with a competitive edge to the competition." Ulsan HD, three-time defending champions in the K League 1, will play in Group F. They will face Mamelodi Sundowns FC of South Africa on June 17 in Orlando, Florida; Fluminense FC of Brazil on June 21 in East Rutherford, New Jersey; and Borussia Dortmund of Germany on June 25 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Ulsan HD are one of four clubs from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the lone South Korean side. They secured their spot by finishing second in the AFC club ranking points. "For us, I think that competing against teams at a world-class level is going to be a good opportunity," Kim said. "Fellow ethnic Koreans living in the United States and the football fans in South Korea will expect a strong performance from Ulsan HD. So I hope we will showcase our abilities in the matches." The top two teams from each of the eight groups will qualify for the round of 16, and Kim said the first match against Mamelodi Sundowns will be "a crucial first step." "Asian teams are strong at persevering through substantial challenges in the traditional (FIFA) World Cup. I think the teams may face similar difficulties in this tournament as well," the coach added. "However, if we focus well enough on our strengths, in areas like pace and technique, I think we may do well in our matches." Club World Cup contestants will be in for a big payday. A group stage draw will be worth US$1 million, and a group stage win will give teams $2 million. Reaching the round of 16 will net teams $7.5 million each, and a trip to the quarterfinals is worth another $13.125 million. The two finalists will receive $30 million each, and the champion will bag an additional $40 million. FIFA has also set up a "participation pillar" worth $525 million, which will be distributed in different amounts to each continent, determined by a ranking based on sporting and commercial criteria. Asian clubs will receive $9.55 million each for participation. Ulsan HD received 500 million won ($339,900) for winning their K League 1 title last season.
Associated Press
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Chinese team pulls out of Asian Champions League hours before game, cites ‘physical discomfort'
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Shandong Taishan withdrew from the Asian Champions League hours before the four-time Chinese Super League winner was due to play its final group-stage game Wednesday against Ulsan HD of South Korea. The Asian Football Confederation said Shandong was 'considered to have withdrawn after the club confirmed that it did not intend to report for their league stage match.' Shandong needed just a draw at Ulsan to advance to the round of 16. The AFC did not give a reason for Shandong's withdrawal, but the team cited illness. 'Due to the serious physical discomfort of team members, the medical team evaluated that the players were unable to play the final AFC Champions League game against Ulsan HD,' the club said in a statement. 'We deeply regret this and apologize to the AFC, Ulsan HD and the fans.' The withdrawal guaranteed Shanghai Shenhua a place in the next round to join three Japanese teams in Yokohama F. Marinos, Kawasaki Frontale and Vissel Kobe. They join South Korea's Gwangju FC and Pohang Steelers, Thailand's Buriram United, and Malaysia's Johor Darul Tazim. Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr finished in the top three of the western zone. ___
Reuters
12-02-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Buriram's Suphanat strikes to knock Ulsan out of Asian Champions League
Feb 12 (Reuters) - Ulsan HD's slender hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds of the Asian Champions League Elite were extinguished on Wednesday as the former continental champions from South Korea suffered a 2-1 loss to Thailand's Buriram United. Suphanat Mueanta struck three minutes into stoppage time for the hosts after Jang Si-young had cancelled out Guilherme Bissoli's 20th-minute opener for the Thai side in first-half stoppage time. Ulsan have three points from seven games and are five adrift of the top-eight places that secure berths in the next phase of the competition with one round remaining. Buriram climbed to sixth on 11 points and a draw against already-qualified Gwangju FC on Tuesday would be enough to take them into the next phase. The first eight finishers in east and west Asia advance to the round of 16, which will be held on a home-and-away basis in March. The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will be played in a centralised format in Saudi Arabia in April and May. Bissoli capitalised on a slip in midfield by Jung Woo-yong to crash his shot beyond Jo Hyeon-woo but Jang levelled with a deft finish following Darijan Bojanic's measured through ball. The game looked destined for a draw until Suphanat pounced, the Thai striker sliding in at the far post to crash Dion Cools' cross from the right into the roof of the net. Yokohama F Marinos climbed back into top spot with a 1-0 win over Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua in manager Steve Holland's first game in charge of the Japanese club. Yan Matheus scored the only goal in the 20th minute when he bent his shot into the top corner after Anderson Lopes' clever back heel wrong-footed the Chinese side's defence. Marinos, who had secured qualification after Tuesday's results meant they could not finish outside the top eight, lead the standings on goal difference from fellow J-League side Vissel Kobe. Kobe, third-placed Kawasaki Frontale and Gwangju FC have all qualified for the next phase.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 Season Preview: Gimcheon Sangmu FC
With the off-the-field issues regarding the future of Sangmu FC's home base being resolved on Monday—following the news that they will be staying in Gimcheon for the next two seasons—the team can now focus on their on-the-pitch performance. They will be looking for more of the same as they head into a second consecutive season in K League 1, following their impressive third-place finish last year. K League United's Stuart Warren previews the season ahead. 18W-9D-11L, 3rd After securing promotion in 2023 by winning the K League 2 title—finishing just one point ahead of runners-up Busan IPark—many expected Gimcheon to struggle at the wrong end of the table last season. This was especially true given their reputation as a "yo-yo club," having bounced between the top two divisions over the past four seasons. However, they defied expectations with a highly impressive season, mounting an unexpected title challenge before eventually fading and finishing in third place. The season started perfectly for the military side, as they snatched a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Daegu FC in their opening game. They then embarked on an impressive run, losing just two of their first 15 matches and propelling themselves to the top of the table. While many doubted their staying power, Gimcheon continued to grind out results. For a long stretch, they even looked like potential title contenders. However, they eventually lost momentum and finished in a highly creditable third place behind champions Ulsan HD and another surprise package, Gangwon FC. A solid defense was the foundation of their success, as they led the league in clean sheets, finishing with 17 over the course of the season. In attack, Lee Dong-gyeong enjoyed a strong start to his Gimcheon career, netting five goals in just over half a season after joining from Ulsan HD in April. He was supported by winger Kim Dae-won, who also scored five goals and contributed eight assists. With the new intake of players completing their military service not arriving until April 7—three weeks into the season—there is some frustration that they won't be able to link up with the squad sooner. Nevertheless, the list of incoming players is reported to be: Go Jae-hyun (Daegu FC)Kim Yi-seok (Gangwon FC)Kim Joo-chan (Suwon Samsung Bluewings)Kim Tae-hwan (Jeju United)Moon Hyun-ho (Ulsan HD)Park Se-jin (Daegu FC)Park Cheol-woo (Suwon FC)Park Tae-jun (Gwangju FC)Baek Jong-beom (FC Seoul)Lee Su-bin (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors)Lee Jeong-taek (Daejeon Hana Citizen)Lee Chan-wook (Gyeongnam FC)Jeon Byung-kwan (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) At this stage, it is difficult to predict which players will have the biggest impact, given the large intake joining an already established squad. However, one player to watch is winger Jeon the end of the 2023 season, Jeon was highly sought-after, with FC Seoul and Pohang Steelers among his suitors. In the end, he opted to leave Daejeon Hana Citizen to join Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Last season, he scored five goals and registered two assists—numbers he will be eager to improve upon in the upcoming campaign. One of Gimcheon's standout performers last season was midfielder Lee Dong-gyeong, who notched five goals in 19 appearances. He is expected to be a key attacking threat again this year. However, his military service ends in October, meaning he will return to Ulsan HD on October 26. Among the incoming players, one who could be crucial to Gimcheon's success is Daegu FC attacker Go Jae-hyun. He enjoyed prolific 2022 and 2023 seasons, scoring a combined 23 goals. However, he struggled in 2024, finishing with just two goals. Many believe that a change of scenery could help him rediscover his form. If he does, he will be a key part of Gimcheon's attack this season. One young player aiming to make a bigger impact this season is midfielder Lee Seung-won. After winning the Bronze Ball at the 2023 U-20 World Cup, expectations were high for the Gangwon FC prospect. However, his club career has started more slowly than his international one. A central midfielder with excellent passing range, Lee joined Gimcheon in April last year and made eight league appearances, scoring his first senior goal in September. Turning 22 in March, he still has plenty of time to develop, and many expect him to make a bigger impact in 2025. The biggest question facing Gimcheon this season is whether they can replicate last year's success. Predicting their performance is always challenging, as it largely depends on how well the new intake integrates into the squad. However, their fanbase will hope that the team can carry last season's momentum forward.
