By Pearse McLaughlin
Super sub–Dave Bulthuis’s header five minutes from time was the difference as Suwon Samsung Bluewings claim a massive three points here at Suwon World Cup Stadium as they defeat Jeju United 1-0. This result could be massive in terms of Suwon Samsung Bluewings fight to stave off relegation.
Suwon Samsung Bluewings boss, Kim Byeong-Su has stuck with his tried and trusted 4-3-3 formation but has made wholesale changes from their 1-1 draw last time out against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. In terms of personnel changes, he has made five changes as in come Yang Hyung-Mo, Park Dae-Won, Lee Ki-Jee, Myeong Joon-Jae, and Park Hee-Jun come into replace An Chan-Gi, Jang Ho-Ik, Cruz, Lee Sang-Min, and Popo.
Jeju United boss, Nam Ki-Il has kept with his forward thinking 4-2-4 formation as he’s looking to build on his side’s 3-0-win last time against Suwon FC. In terms of personnel changes there have been two changes as in come Kim Oh-Kyu and Kim Ju-Gong come into replace Yeon Je-Woon and Reis.
First major opportunity of the game came on the 12th minute as Jeju United probe for an opener with Kwon Sun-Ho coming close with a low curling shot but Yang Hyung-Mo was equal to it. A quick throw in deep inside Suwon Samsung Bluewings half down the left-hand side saw the defence switch off momentarily which allowed in Kwon Sun-Ho who tried to find the bottom right-hand corner, but Yang Hyung-Mo was down quickly to brilliantly divert it behind for the corner kick. Clever thinking from Jeju United as they nearly punished the home side for a lack of concentration. It remains 0-0.
On the 33rd minute VAR was called into action to potentially give a red card for a coming together between Suwon Samsung Bluewings’ captain, Lee Ki-Jee as his elbow appeared to strike Seo Jun-Su on the chin. After a quick review by the officials the came to the correct decision and that was a yellow card as his elbow was tucked into his body and wasn’t a deliberate movement.
First half substitute Yuri rises highest from fellow substitute Reis’s deep free kick on the 42nd minute as he bullies his marker Ko Seung-Beom but couldn’t divert his header goal wards as it crashes of the pole behind the goal and into the side netting.
It remains goalless at the break with both sides showing a lack of quality in the final third and no composure as there has been far too many turnovers. This needs to change in the second half if any side is to emerge victorious.
The game should have had the opening goal on the 62nd minute from Lee Ju-Yong but for the long legs of Yang Hyung-Mo it remains level. It was terrific skill initially by Reis as turned his man like a sixth pence it was very reminiscent of prime Xavi at FC Barcelona. Reis also had the composure to then play a defence splitting pass through to Lee Ju-Yong who timed his run to perfection, but he let the ball run too far before striking which narrowed the angle and made it easier for Yang Hyung-Mo to save. Great move by the away side.
Suwon Samsung Bluewings had a chance of their own a mere 60 seconds later as Myeong Joon-Jae tried his luck from distance with a powerful drive which was destined for the bottom left-hand corner but half-time substitute goalkeeper, Kim Keun-Bae got down and got a big hand to it to divert it behind for the corner kick. The chance came about because of Ko Seung-Beom winning the ball back and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with his performance tonight with the amount of running, ball carries, interceptions, duels won, and tackles.
Breakthrough for the home side five minutes from time courtesy of substitute Dave Bulthuis with a powerful header into the bottom left-hand corner. Dave Bulthuis has scored with his first touch having come on only four minutes prior to replace the injured Park Dae-Won and what a first touch it was as he sends the crowd into pandemonium. It was a terrific delivery from the left-hand side as Lee Ki-Jee’s out swinging corner was on the money as he picked out Dave Bulthuis on the penalty spot as he evaded Rim Chang-Woo attention and soared in the air and planted his header beyond the reach of Kim Keun-Bae. 1-0. Emphatic finish.
It's all over here at the Suwon World Cup Stadium as Suwon Samsung Bluewings defeat Jeju United 1-0. The match lacked a real cutting edge as it was a scrappy affair, but a set piece proved to be vital as Dave Bulthuis scored the winner from Lee Ki-Jee’s corner in the 85th minute of the game.
Next up for Suwon Samsung Bluewings is a tough away trip next Sunday the 27th of August night as they face high flying Gwangju FC were they’ll be confident having just collected three points at home to Jeju United.
Next up for Jeju United is an away trip to face Daegu FC next Saturday night the 26th of August, who they are neck and neck with, and a poor result could see them be leapfrogged by Daegu FC. Jeju United will be looking for a much better performance next time out if they want to stay above Daegu FC in the standings.
Suwon Samsung Bluewings: Yang Hyung-Mo, Han Hogang, Kim Joon-Su, Park Dae-Won (Dave Bulthuis 82’), Lee Ki-Jee, Myeong Joon-Jae (An Byong-Jun 66’), Kazuki Kozuka, Ko Seung-Beom, Kim Tae-Hwan (Kim Kyung-Jung 46’), Park Hee-Jun (Maxwell Acosty 19’), Kim Joo-Chan (Jeon Jin-Woo 46’). Subs not used: An Chan-Gi.
Jeju United: Kim Dong-Jun (Kim Keun-Bae 46’), Rim Chang-Woo, Kim Oh-Kyu, Lim Chae-Min, Woon Chung, Kim Geon-Woong, Jeon Seong-Jin (Reis 20’), Seo Jun-Su, Lee Ju-Yong (Kim Seung-Sub 90’), Kim Ju-Gong (Kim Bong-Soo 59’), Kwon Sun-Ho (Yuri 20’). Subs not used: Song Ju-Hun, An Tae-Hyun.
Reporter: Pearse McLaughlin
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