Ulsan HD, representing Korea in the Club World Cup, is embarking on a great challenge on the world stage.

Ulsan will play its first match in Group F of the '2025 FIFA Club World Cup' against Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) at the Inter Miami Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on the 18th at 7 a.m. (Korean time).

Ulsan will participate in the Club World Cup for the third time in history, following its appearances in 2012 (Japan) and 2020 (Qatar). In the previous two tournaments, they achieved 6th place. This tournament has been expanded and revamped, unlike before, with 32 teams participating every four years to determine the champion, similar to a national tournament.

On the 6th, Ulsan departed from Incheon and arrived in Charlotte, where the base camp is set up, after passing through Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States. The first day focused on recovery, and afterward, they began local adaptation training at the Atrium Health Performance Park, the training ground of Charlotte FC, which belongs to Major League Soccer (MLS).

On the 10th, they had their first local practice match against Charlotte. The match was a closed practice game, conducted in three quarters of 30 minutes each, for a total of one and a half hours. Ulsan’s Lee Chung-yong, Erik, and Eom Won-sang scored goals against Charlotte. Additionally, the 'new wall' from Poland, Miloš Trojjak, who donned the Ulsan uniform during this summer's transfer market, shook the net with a high header at 191 cm tall. Lee Jin-hyun also scored a goal, rounding off his pre-season preparations.

After taking personal maintenance and rest on the 11th, the players focused on raising their personal conditions and refining their organizational play ahead of the match against Mamelodi starting on the 12th.

Mamelodi, which Ulsan will face this time, is based in Pretoria, South Africa, and has won league titles for eight consecutive seasons from the 2017/18 season to the 2024/25 season. They hold a record of 15 titles (the most) and are reigning champions of the South African Premier League. They finished 6th in the Club World Cup in the 2016/17 season.

Mamelodi's manager, Miguel Cardoso, who is from Portugal, has been in charge of the team for half a year since his appointment last December. He has managed teams including Celta Vigo (Spain), AFK Athens (Greece), Rio Ave (Portugal), and Esperance (Tunisia). He employs a possession-focused style of football, effectively utilizing well-structured game play and space. Like Ulsan, his team practices build-up football, actively utilizing the goalkeeper.

Key players to watch are Iqram Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro. Both players boast a market value exceeding €2 million (approximately 3.2 billion won). Rayners, a South African national team player, has recorded double-digit goals for three consecutive seasons (22 goals - 17 goals - 15 goals). Although he isn't very tall at 176 cm, his speed and movement into space are remarkable.

Ribeiro, a Brazilian forward and playmaker, has also scored double-digit goals for three consecutive seasons (11 goals - 16 goals - 20 goals). Notably, he participated in 48 matches this season, contributing 20 goals and 13 assists. Both players are adept at scoring and assisting.

Mamelodi typically has 7 to 8 players in the starting lineup who are part of the South African national team, essentially making it akin to the national team. Additionally, the unique speed and agility of African players, combined with the skillful presence of Brazilian and Chilean players, create a well-balanced team. Therefore, Ulsan will need solid defense from veterans Kim Young-gwon, Trojjak, and young player Seo Myeong-gwan more than ever.

Ulsan is placing its hopes on Erik for the offense. He received praise from opposing officials during the recent practice match against Charlotte for his sharp breakthroughs and finishing prowess. He has recorded 8 goals in 14 matches this season in K League 1, making him the top scorer on the team. He is expected to make his presence felt in the first match of the Club World Cup.

Goalkeeper Jo Hyun-woo joined the team locally on the 12th after completing the national team's matches. He is the only player on the Ulsan team to have experienced the Club World Cup four years ago.

Jo Hyun-woo said, "I must perform well for my team Ulsan and represent Asia and the country too. I will show my best from the first group match next week."

Meanwhile, the opening match of the tournament on the 15th at 9 a.m. at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, ended in a 0-0 draw between Inter Miami (United States) and Al Ahly SC (Egypt).

[Photo] Provided by Ulsan HD

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