Incheon determined to defeat Hai Phong for Korean honor

South Korea Incheon United want to help Korean football extend its unbeaten streak in the AFC Champions League play-offs, when they face a representative from Vietnam today.

*Incheon United - Hai Phong : 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 22.

Incheon United will participate in the AFC Champions League (ACL) for the first time in their history, after finishing fourth in the 2022 Korean National Championship (K-League). They have a place in the play-offs, while champions Ulsan Hyundai, runners-up Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and third-placed Pohang Steelers go straight into the group stage.

Incheon United coach Jo Sung-hwan. Photo: K-League — Incheon United coach Jo Sung-hwan. Photo: *K-League*

Given the past achievements of Korean football, Incheon is determined to beat Hai Phong at home at Sungui Arena Park this afternoon, August 22. "We have to take responsibility for that because no Korean team has lost in the ACL play-offs," coach Jo Sung-hwan said before the match. "We will win a spot in the group stage."

South Korea is the most successful football nation in the ACL era with six championships, followed by Japan (five) and Saudi Arabia (four). The last time a representative from Vietnam and South Korea met was in the 2018 ACL play-off when Thanh Hoa lost 1-5 at Suwon Samsung Bluewings. Before meeting Incheon, Hai Phong beat Rangers of Hong Kong 4-1 in the first round of the 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 careless, believing that Hai Phong is in good form and it is difficult to judge their level through the match against Rangers.

Incheon United is ranked 6th in K-League 1 in 2023. Photo: Incheon United

Hai Phong has midfielder Luong Xuan Truong who somewhat understands Incheon United as he played for this club in 2016. Meanwhile, the Korean club has captain Oh Ban-suk, who also has experience with Southeast Asian football as he played with goalkeeper Dang Van Lam at Muangthong United in Thai League 1 in 2019.

In the 2023 K-League, Incheon United maintained a stable performance compared to last season when they are ranked sixth with 37 points, two points behind the top 4. Incheon and Hai Phong both have the best squad. The biggest impact at the moment is the weather in Incheon, which is forecast to have light rain in the evening.

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