Professional soccer's Jeonbuk Hyundai and Pohang Steelers will meet in the FA Cup final.
Jeonbuk is coming off a 3-1 home win over Incheon United in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Hana Bank FA Cup at Jeonju World Cup Stadium at 7 pm on Jan. 1. Jeonbuk, who won the FA Cup last year, will be back in the final this year to try to win the title for the second consecutive year.
In the match, Moon Sun-min, Baek Seung-ho, and Park Jae-yong scored consecutive goals. Jeonbuk took the lead in the 22nd minute of the first half. Moon Sun-min, who was on the left side of the penalty box, caught the ball and drove to the center, and when he found space, he fired a strong shot that rattled the net. Incheon fought back in the 38th minute when Gerso scored the equalizer.
However, Jeonbuk took the lead again. In the 16th minute of the second half, Jeonbuk capitalized on a trapping mistake by their opponent and immediately launched a quick attack. Park Jae-yong, who was inside the penalty box, passed to Baek Seung-ho, who was in a better position. Baek Seung-ho calmly finished to add another goal.
Incheon pushed for an equaliser, but Jeonbuk had a chance to take the lead in stoppage time when Lee Dong-joon was awarded a penalty kick. Park Jae-yong then converted to seal the deal.
Meanwhile, in the other quarterfinal match at Jeju World Cup Stadium on the same day, Pohang Steelers faced Jeju United, with Pohang emerging victorious after a penalty shootout. In the 42nd minute of the first half, Jeju took the lead through Seo Jin-soo. However, Pohang responded in the 14th minute of the second half when Kim In-sung scored a fantastic volley from a corner kick.
With the score tied at 1-1 in regulation and overtime, the teams headed to penalty kicks. Pohang won the penalty shootout 4-3 and had the last laugh.
The FA Cup final between Jeonbuk and Pohang will be played three days later at the Pohang Steel Yard in a single-leg match. Jeonbuk is currently tied with Suwon Samseong for the most FA Cup wins with five. This year, they are determined to come out on top and become the most decorated team in the competition. Pohang will be returning to the tournament for the first time in 10 years after winning the 2013 edition.