Key man
Denilson
Something of a journeyman, Denilson (no, not the former most expensive footballer in the world) has previous experience in the UAE, having played for Dubai club Al Shabab; but a career that takes in both Feyenoord and Paris St-Germain suggests the man has talent. A record of 14 goals in 39 games for Pohang also suggests that, despite his 33 years of age, he is a striker still hungry for more and his previous experience suggests he won’t be overwhelmed by the occasion.
Also look out for
Hwang Jae-Won
The captain of the Pohang Steelers is also the team’s most important defender. A no-nonsense ball winner, he is the glue that sticks the team together and Pohang will need every bit of his experience if they are to get past the quarters.
No Byung-jun
Having plied his trade in both Korea and the Austrian Bundesliga, the Korean-born attacker isn’t exactly prolific, but he did kick-start their Fifa Club World Cup adventure final by bagging the first goal against Al Ittihad. A dangerous customer when given a chance.
How they got here
The four-time Korean champions are no strangers on the international scene, having won consecutive Asian Club Championships in 1997 and 1998. They also beat Luis Felipe Scolari’s Bunyodkor (so that’s where he went!) in the semis. But the biggest test came in the shape of Saudi champions Al Ittihad, who are the only team to win the AFC Champions League twice since 2003’s reshuffle, and who started as clear favourites. But, thanks to the profligacy of the Saudi champs, the Steelers profited through some opportunistic finishing and, to their credit, managed to hold off the Saudis for a highly creditable 2-0 victory.
The history
South Korean football is no longer the surprise package it once was thanks to the 2000 World Cup. Pohong are also the Korean league’s most successful team since it was founded in 1973 (the ‘Steelers’ name comes from sponsors Pohong Iron Steel) winning three AFC Champions League titles since the league was revamped in 2003. Their home ground, Steelyard Stadium, remains the country’s only football-specific stadium in Korea.
The coach
Sergio Farias
Brazilians have had a long history of kick starting their careers again in Asia (just ask Luiz Felipe Scolari). Sure enough, the former Brazil under-20s coach never really found his feet there after short stints at a number of clubs. But in Korea he seems to have discovered a new lease of life, having shipped in a number of handy Brazilian transfers and given the side an attractive playing style.
How they’ll fair
Pohang Steelers possess an organised defence and a knack of winning when not playing that well – always a good skill to have. But, ironically, a lack of steel could see them suffer against some of the bigger, more aggressive sides from South America and Africa. In the end they might just get bullied out of it.
Prediction
A possible semi-final place beckons, but anything more than that would be a bit of a stretch, we reckon.
