The “Super Final” completes the 2016 Football Season here in South Korea, with K League Champions FC Seoul taking on rivals Suwon Bluewings over 2 legs. The 2016 Korean FA Cup (fa컵) started back at beginning of March with sides from across the country entering the 20th anniversary competition. The winners win a place in the 2017 Asian Champions League Group Stage, so it’s the final chance for Suwon Bluewings to salvage something from their poor season (K League 4th placed side Ulsan will enter the Champions League if Seoul win).
The game kicks off at 2pm on Sunday November 27th, at the Suwon World Cup Stadium;
Suwon Bluewings vs. FC Seoul – Korean FA Cup 2016 Final 1st Leg Preview
These sides have had completely different seasons, FC Seoul won the K League Classic on the final day of the season and also made the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League. Whilst Suwon Bluewings finished the K League Season safe but were deep in the relegation battle a few weeks before the conclusion of the season, they also crashed out of the Champions League during the group stages. Here are brief previews for each side;
Suwon Bluewings
Suwon had an awful season vs. their usual standards and finished down in 7th place, however they did find some end of season form winning 3 of the final 4 games. 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. In the Semi Final they won against Ulsan Hyundai on the road 3-1, scoring 2 late goal to setup this final. Suwon Bluewings have won the FA Cup 3 times before in 2002, 2009 and 2010.
Key Player: In form Brazilian Johnathan has 11 goals in 9 games, his goals saved them from the relegation battle.
FC Seoul
Won the K League Classic title on the final day of the season beating defending Champions Jeonbuk Hyundai (the title win was thanks partly to Jeonbuk’s 10 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. They beat the underdog storyside Bucheon 1995 1-0 in the Semi-Final. Recently they’ve won 4 games on the bounce.
Key Player: Brazilian top goalscorer Adriano will be the main target man moving forward. Spanish defensive midfielder Osmar has had a great season and will also be key.
Head-to-Head:
These sides have played 50 before this weekend;
Suwon Bluewings 21
Draws 11
FC Seoul 18
This season they’ve played 3 times with two games ending 1-1, and Seoul winning the other tie 1-0.
Suwon Bluewings vs. FC Seoul – Korean FA Cup 2016 Final 1st Leg Prediction
Suwon Bluewings 1 – 1 FC Seoul
As this is the 1st leg it will be defensive and cagey at to start with. We see FC Seoul scoring either late in the 1st or early in 2nd, but Suwon will pull one back late in the game.
Suwon Bluewings vs. FC Seoul – Korean FA Cup 2016 Final 1st Leg Result
Suwon Bluewings 2 – 1 FC Seoul
The game was surpriselying open for a 1st leg with both sides creating chances. No shock that Johnathan opened the scoring early in the 1st half. Seoul equalized in the second, but Suwon retook the lead minutes later. The 2nd leg will certainly be interesting. It takes place next Saturday (Dec 3rd) kick off is at 1.30pm.
Finally
For information on the all of our previous FA Cup Updates and K League Round by Round Previews and More: CLICK HERE
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Tim
Modern Seoul
tim@modernseoul.org
Modern Seoul 