Jeju brave the humidity to beat Busan

Jeju United 2-0 Busan I Park

Highlights video: www.jeju-utd.com (Internet Explorer only)

The hot and humid conditions weren't conducive to an exciting, fast paced game, however it was Jeju who had the greater energy. They were able to emerge victorious thanks to two goals in the last fifteen minutes from Cho Yong Hyung and Bang Seung Hwan.

A crowd of over 18,000 jammed in to the Jeju Athletics Stadium and witnessed a dull opening 75 minutes as both sides struggled to cope with the humidity and hot weather conditions. Of particular note was the return of Romulo who was the top goal scorer at Jeju last season. Whenever he touched the ball various "boos" and insults could be heard. Whether or not they had any effect on the player will remain unknown, however the Brazilian struggled to make a significant impact in the game and was substituted in the 51st minute. The former hero's only chance of note came on thirty seven minutes when he powered a shot from twelve yards straight at Kim Song Min who superbly parried the ball over the bar.

Jeju struggled to create chances throughout the game and often resorted to long balls aimed at Oveira. The striker did well on occasion but once again was caught offside more often that he should have been and did not receive adequate support from the Jeju midfield. Coach Arthur Bernardes will need to work on his midfield options as the side looks decidedly light weight in this area.

A goal came out of nothing with just fourteen minutes remaining when Cho Yong Hyung headed home a Choi Hyun Youn corner from twelve yards. A second goal was added by Bang Seung Hwan from the penalty spot after Oh Seung Bum was brought down in the area to give Jeju a convincing looking victory. In fact by the end of the game United could have scored four or five as Busan all but gave up. Lee Sang Ho in particular had an excellent long range effort in injury time saved by Choi Hyun.

The victory was made even sweeter by the five minute appearance of Kang Min Su who had been out injured for the last two months. He is likely to be eased back in to action over July and will be aiming to re-form his impressive defensive partnership with Cho Yong Hyung.

Jeju moved to within two points of a play-off place thanks to this victory and can look forward to Wednesday nights FA Cup game against Gwangju and next weekend's trip to Incheon United with confidence.


K-League Table

1 Gwangju Sangmu Phoenix 13 +12 29
2 FC Seoul 13 +9 26
3 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 12 +12 24
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4 Incheon United 12 +4 22
5 Gangwon FC 12 +4 19
6 Pohang Steelers 12 +2 16
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7 Chunnam Dragons 12 −3 16
8 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma 12 −2 15
9 Jeju United 12 −6 14
10 Busan I'Park 13 −3 13
11 Gyeongnam FC 12 −3 13
12 Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i 12 −3 12
13 Daejeon Citizen 12 −6 11
14 Suwon Samsung Bluewings 12 −6 10
15 Daegu FC 13 −11 7