Football is officially back in South Korea.
K League's opening match between reigning champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and FA Cup winners Suwon Samsung Bluewings took place this Friday.
Although the game was played behind closed doors with no spectators, Jeonbuk tried their best to 'fill the vibe' as if there were supporters on the stand. Tifo and banners from supporters were installed. Recorded chants were coming out from the amplifier prepared by a Jeonbuk special DJ. With a classic 'guard of honour' for defending champions, the league raised the curtain.
The first attempt of the season came from Jeonbuk's Brazilian Murillo, who tried a right-footed long-range shot in the 3rd minute. The attempt from the Brazilian forward was the start of a long-range shot ‘festival'. The most significant chance for the Bluewings came in the 18th minute as Adam Taggart found himself in a one-on-one chance in front of Song Bum-keun, who saved it, but it was called offside. The Socceroo star also became the first player to receive a yellow card in the 2020 season.
Unlike other ongoing leagues such as Belarus, Taiwan and Turkmenistan, K League implemented the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology to get more precise and accurate decisions. The opportunity to show it off took place in the 50th minute - Doneil Henry, Suwon’s defender, unintentionally hit the ball with his arm in the penalty box. After the referee called for a spot-kick, the final decision by VAR was 'no penalty'.
Suwon weren’t bad defensively until their Australian midfielder Terry Antonis got red-carded in the 75th minute for his dangerous challenge on Son Jun-ho. It was an obvious direct red.
Finally, after 84 minutes of a long wait, there was the winner to decide between the teams. South Korean legend, 41-year-old Lee Dong-gook, was the man who converted a corner from Son Jun-ho to a clean header. The goal from the ex-Middlesbrough man, who came in as a substitute in the 54th minute, was the first goal of 2020 K League, and his 225th K League goal in his 538th appearances.
Lee paid gratitude to the front-line workers fighting against the coronavirus with his 'thumbs-up' celebration. "We wanted to thank all medical staff on the front-line fighting against the virus, so we planned a celebration for them," Lee said in a post-match interview.
Suwon had about 13 minutes to get an equalizer, but it was a hard task for a 10-men team. The official season opener, which drew worldwide attention as it was broadcasted live in 17 countries, ended in a justified 1-0 victory to Jeonbuk.
