The 2016 Korean FA Cup (fa컵) started back at beginning of March with sides from across the country entering the 20th anniversary competition. There are only K League Classic sides and one K League Challenge side (Bucheon 1995) remaining at this stages of the competition. The winners win a place in the 2017 Asian Champions League Group Stage, so it’s an important competition.
The Other Semi Final is between Ulsan Hyundai & Suwon Bluewings – Preview & Prediction HERE
FC Seoul vs. Bucheon 1995 – Korean FA Cup 2016 Semi Final Preview
This is a bit of a David vs. Goliath matchup as FC Seoul are joint top of the K League Classic, whilst Bucheon 1995 a division below them and might not make the top 5 and the playoffs. However Bucheon 1995 knocked out Jeonbuk Hyundai in the previous round so they’re not to be underestimated. Here are brief previews for each side;
FC Seoul
Currently 2nd in the K League Classic, and only behind Jeonbuk Hyundai on goal difference (thanks partly to Jeonbuk’s point deduction). Seoul are the FA Cup’s reigning champions, but haven’t had an easy road to the semi final. They required extra time to beat Daegu (Challenge) 4-2. Edged Ansan Mugunghwa (Challenge) 2-1. Then in the quarter finals required penalties to beat Jeonnam following a 0-0 draw. Recently they’ve won 4 from 6 games in all competitions, but drew 2-2 at the weekend against Sangju Sangmu. Key players will be top goalscorer Adriano and Spanish defensive midfielder Osmar.
Bucheon 1995
Bucheon 1995 are currently 5th in the K League Challenge and occupy the final playoff spot heading into that leagues final round of fixtures this coming Sunday. Prior to this season they hadn’t beaten a K League side in the FA Cup and had only 3 fa wins to their name. This season however they’ve won 4 games beating Halla University 3-1 (aet), Pohang Steelers 2-0 (away), Gyoengju Citizen 3-1 and famously Jeonbuk Hyundai 3-2 (away). Two K League Classic scalps make them a dangerous side to face. Key players will be Brazilian attacking players Waguininho and top goalscorer Lukian.
Head-to-Head:
These sides have never played before in a competitive fixture.
FC Seoul vs. Bucheon 1995 – Korean FA Cup 2016 Semi Final Prediction
FC Seoul 3 – 1 Bucheon 1995
The big question is Seoul will change their side from the weekend and before their key game on Sunday. If they do it might be a close one. Bucheon 1995 will be focusing on this game, their chances of promotion don’t look great and this would be a major victory for the club and the K League Challenge as a whole.
Still we see Bucheon surviving until half time, but then scoring and a couple more late on in the game. Bucheon might score a consolation goal. It’s not the result we and most naturals want, but we can’t see Bucheon winning.
FC Seoul vs. Bucheon 1995 – Korean FA Cup 2016 Semi Final Result
FC Seoul 1 – 0 Bucheon 1995
FC Seoul eased into the final as they controlled Challenge side Bucheon. Dejan gave Seoul the lead after just 7th minute, and the hosts just sat back from then looking to counter and protect their lead. Bucheon had some good chances but failed to score. FC Seoul win play Suwon Bluewings over two legs at the end of the November/ start of December.
Finally
For information on the all of our previous FA Cup Updates and K League Round by Round Previews and More: CLICK HERE
As always if you have anything you’d like to add please let us know. We will try and keep things updated as best as possible via Twitter (and little via Facebook).
Tim
Modern Seoul
tim@modernseoul.org
Modern Seoul 