In SBS "Goal Strikers," ahead of the second match against Japan, a comprehensive overhaul of the national team has begun, with a significant number of new candidate members joining, promising an even more intense survival competition.
According to Nielsen Korea, the episode of "Goal Strikers" (hereafter "Golnea") aired on the 2nd and recorded a household rating of 5% (based on the metropolitan area), and a target rating of 1.6% for the 2049 demographic. The highest rating peaked at 6.3%.
On this day, following a disappointing loss of 3 to 4 in the first match against Japan, head coach Lee Young-pyo was depicted preparing for a revenge match. Lee, who boasted an undefeated record against Japan during his playing days, noted, "We can't end this in a loss," and expressed his determination to establish new strategies and fully commit to training for victory. Japan's head coach Maezono revealed that they would field the same squad without any changes, stating, "The revenge match is a revenge match for Korea, while for Japan, it’s a rematch since we won."
To select players for this second match against Japan, Coach Lee Young-pyo brought together the existing seven members of the national team and seven new candidates. The unexpectedly assembled 14 players immediately engaged in evaluation matches, competing fiercely. The existing team, "Team Hwarang," showcased solid organization and continued their brilliant performances, with Seogi scoring four goals and receiving high praise from commentator Lee Geun-ho, who remarked, "Instant judgment and sense are the best in 'Golnea.'" Meanwhile, in the team composed of reserve members, "Team Chungmu," Sim Euddeum impressed by scoring while applying pressure on opponents with speed and physicality.
After the match, Coach Lee Young-pyo remarked, "The competition starts now" and led the national team candidates to Jeju Island for training. Among the existing seven members, Kang Bo-ram was dropped, and Park Ha-yan, Sim Euddeum, along with Lee Yu-jung from the G League, who made an impression, were added as candidates, bringing the total to ten. Coach Lee explained the selection process, saying, "I wanted to approach the revenge match with the best possible player lineup. During the process of evaluating new players, Lee Yu-jung caught my eye the most." He then announced to the players, "For the Japan-Korea revenge match, we plan to select the final seven. Today, one player will be eliminated and sent home," heightening the tension.
Meanwhile, Japan's Masima Yu also updated his current status through a self-cam. He shared, "After the last match against Korea, I went on a private trip to Korea, played football with 'Golnea' members, and even had meals together," adding, "I started learning Korean to communicate with everyone." Towards the end of the broadcast, there was a tease that "a new member from an idol group will join the Japan national team," further heating up the excitement for the second match against Japan.
[Photo] SBS "Goal Strikers" broadcast capture.
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