Next month, the Club World Cup will be held in the United States, and the International Football Federation (FIFA) has drawn attention to Ulsan HD 'Guardian' Jo Hyun-woo.
FIFA selected Jo Hyun-woo as a key player for Ulsan on its official website on the 23rd (Korean time). FIFA stated, "Jo Hyun-woo is an internationally recognized star goalkeeper. Ulsan won the K League 1 title last season, in which Jo Hyun-woo displayed strong defense," adding, "Jo Hyun-woo, who boasts excellent reflexes, achieved 10 clean sheets in 32 Asian competition matches since joining Ulsan."
Ulsan, which ranked second in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) club rankings from the 2020 season to the 2024 season, will represent K League clubs in the Club World Cup. Ulsan, in Group F, will face Germany's Borussia Dortmund, Brazil's Fluminense, and South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns.
As challengers on the world stage, Ulsan trusts Jo Hyun-woo. Jo Hyun-woo made a name for himself worldwide during the 2018 Russia World Cup, notably blocking six shots in the group stage match against Germany, leading to the 'Miracle of Kazan.' Now, seven years later, Jo Hyun-woo is stepping onto the international stage once again.
Since the Club World Cup features strong teams, Jo Hyun-woo's importance is expected to grow even further. For Ulsan to create an upset, a standout performance from Jo Hyun-woo is necessary. Recognizing this, FIFA has selected Jo Hyun-woo as a key player for Ulsan. FIFA also highlighted Jo Hyun-woo's major achievements throughout his career.
FIFA noted, "Jo Hyun-woo has been selected for the K League Best XI for eight consecutive seasons," and stated, "Jo Hyun-woo is a goalkeeper who has been named MVP in the long history of the K League alongside Lee Woon-jae."
Additionally, FIFA pointed out Jo Hyun-woo's performance in the match against Germany in the Russia World Cup and mentioned that his role model is David De Gea (Fiorentina).
Meanwhile, Ulsan, led by Jo Hyun-woo, will play their first match against Mamelodi on the 18th at Inter Miami Stadium. They will then move to MetLife Stadium to meet Fluminense on the 22nd. The final group stage match against Dortmund will take place on the 26th at TQL Stadium.
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