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 FC Seoul & Bucheon 1995 – Preview & Prediction HERE
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Suwon Bluewings – Korean FA Cup 2016 Semi Final Preview
This is an all K League Classic clash with sides at opposite ends of the table. Ulsan Hyundai and Suwon Bluewings are two well supported sides who both need to win the competition to stand a strong chance of making the Champions League (Ulsan’s league route is now blocked by in form Jeju United). Here are brief previews for each side;
Ulsan Hyundai
Currently 4th in the K League Classic and still in the battle are a league based Champions League spot. Ulsan haven’t had a strong run of form recently without a win in 3 games and out of any possible title race. Their road to the cup semi finals has been pretty simple; They beat Daejeon Korail (National League) 2-0 on the road, then Gwangju 1-0 and Incheon United 4-1 both at home. They’ve never won the FA Cup before, but finished runners up in 1998.
Key Players: Guinea-Bissau international forward Frédéric Mendy and young local talent Kim Seung-Jun will be the main dangers moving forward.
Suwon Bluewings
Suwon have had an awful season vs. their usual standards and currently sit down in 10th place, only 2 points ahead of Incheon in the Relegation Playoff place. Their recently form has been draw happy, but they’ve only lost once in 10 games (the Suwon Derby). Their road to this stage in the cup hasn’t been easy 1-0 wins over Gyeongju HNP and Busan I’Park, before a penalty shootout win over Seongnam FC in the quarter finals. Suwon Bluewings have won the FA Cup 3 times before in 2002, 2009 and 2010.
Key Player: In form Brazilian Johnathan has 9 goals in 12 games, he’s the only reason they aren’t deeper in the relegation battle.
Head-to-Head:
They’ve played 43 in all competitions and they are currently tied on 16 wins each.
Suwon 16
Draws 11
Ulsan 16
This season Ulsan have won twice 4-2 and 2-1, with the other game ending 0-0.
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Suwon Bluewings – Korean FA Cup 2016 Semi Final Prediction
Ulsan Hyundai 2 – 0 Suwon Bluewings
Suwon rotated their squad a little at the weekend so they should be fresh, however why change a matching combination? Ulsan played out a dull draw with Jeonbuk, so they might have also been saving a little energy for this game. Ulsan will be favorites better overall this season and with home advantage. We see Ulsan scoring early and holding that lead, then scoring on the break later on.
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Suwon Bluewings – Korean FA Cup 2016 Semi Final Result
Ulsan Hyundai 1 – 3 Suwon Bluewings
Suwon produced a late comeback to setup a Super Match final with rivals FC Seoul. Ulsan took the lead thanks to a soft penalty, however in form striker Johnathan equalized in the 81st minute before scoring again in injury time. Kwon Chang-Hoon sealed the win in the final minute.
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 