Pohang Steelers win Korea Cup tournament for 2nd straight years

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Pohang Steelers win Korea Cup tournament for 2nd straight years

Published: 30 Nov. 2024, 18:01 Updated: 01 Dec. 2024, 13:32

Pohang Steelers players celebrate a goal by Kim In-sung against Ulsan HD FC during the final of the Korea Cup football tournament at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 30, 2024. [YONHAP]

The Pohang Steelers defeated regional rivals Ulsan HD FC 3-1 for their second consecutive title in the 2024 Korea Cup on Saturday.

Former Ulsan player Kim In-sung headed home the go-ahead goal in the 112nd minute as Pohang captured the crown in the top national football tournament at Seoul World Cup Stadium in the capital. Kang Hyun-je then put the icing on the cake with a stoppage-time goal seconds before the final whistle.

With six titles overall, Pohang broke a tie with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Suwon Samsung Bluewings for the most Korea Cup championships.

Pohang's extra time victory also foiled Ulsan's bid for a domestic double. Ulsan won their third straight K League 1 title earlier this month and were going for their second Korea Cup.

The teams were knotted at 1-1 after 90 minutes of action, before Kim put Pohang ahead for good 22 minutes into overtime.

Midfielder Oberdan saved a ball from going out of play deep in the attacking zone and made a backheel pass to Kim Jong-woo on the left wing. Kim then crossed for Kim In-sung, who soared to head it home with two defenders getting caught watching the ball.

Ulsan had a chance to tie it some five minutes later but Kim Min-jun's wide-open volley, set up by Lee Myung-jae's cross, went too high.

As the clock ticked down, Kang went on a one-man counterbreak and scored off his right foot to cap the victory.

Joo Min-kyu had opened the scoring for Ulsan in the 38th minute before Pohang's Jeong Jae-hee leveled the score in the 69th minute.

This was the first meeting in a Korea Cup final between these clubs, whose K League rivalry has been dubbed the “East Coast Derby” for their geographical proximity.

Yonhap