Incheon decided to win Hai Phong for the honor of Korea
*Incheon United - Hai Phong: 17h30 Tuesday 22/8.
Incheon United participated in the AFC Champions League (ACL) for the first time in its history, after finishing fourth in the Korean National Championship (K-League) season 2022. They have a place in the play-off, while the team won the championship. Ulsan Hyundai, runner-up Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and third-placed team Pohang Steelers went straight to the group stage.
Before the past achievements of Korean football, Incheon decided to beat Hai Phong at Sungui Arena Park this afternoon on August 22. "We have to have such responsibility because no Korean team has lost in the ACL play-offs," coach Jo Sung-hwan said before the match. "We will qualify for the group stage."
South Korea is the most successful football in the ACL era with six championships, followed by Japan (five) and Saudi Arabia (four). The last time a representative of Vietnam and Korea met was the ACL 2018 play-off when Thanh Hoa lost 1-5 at Suwon Samsung Bluewings. Before meeting Incheon, Hai Phong won 4-1 Rangers of Hong Kong in the first round of play-off.
Coach Jo Sung-hwan assessed that the level of Southeast Asian football has improved significantly. He also reminded the Incheon players not to be negligent, believing that Hai Phong was in high form and it was difficult to assess the level through the match against Rangers.
Hai Phong has midfielder Luong Xuan Truong who somewhat understands Incheon United when he used to play for this club in 2016. Meanwhile, the Korean club has captain Oh Ban-suk, who also has experience with Southeast Asian football when he plays for this club. played with goalkeeper Dang Van Lam at Muangthong United in Thai League 1 in 2019.
In the K-League 2023, Incheon United maintained a stable performance compared to last season when they were sixth with 37 points, two points behind the top 4. Incheon and Hai Phong both have the best forces. The biggest impact at this time is the weather in Incheon, which is forecast to have light rain in the evening.
