*This content was translated by AI.
"It's almost a miracle for the Korean team to beat the Japanese team."
Unfortunately, Gangwon FC coach Chung Kyung-ho (46), who failed to cross the wall of Zelvia (Japan), left a painful statement of his conviction, referring to the gap between Korea and Japan's soccer. Coach Chung Kyung-ho diagnosed that the level difference between the two leagues widened to the extent that it was a miracle for the South Korean team to beat the Japanese team.
Gangwon lost 0-1 to Zelvia in the second round of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) round of 16 away game held at Machida Ondo Stadium in Tokyo, Japan on the 10th. Gangwon, which had a 0-0 draw in the first round held at its home turf on the 3rd, failed to advance to the quarterfinals, falling behind with a combined score of 0-1.
According to a report by Japanese media "Gekisaka" on the 10th, head coach Chung Kyung-ho, who held a press conference after the game, revealed the difference in the level of soccer between Korea and Japan felt through this tournament without any addition or subtraction. "There was a big difference between the Japanese team and the Korean team in this tournament," he said, adding, "It is close to a miracle that the Korean team wins when they face the Japanese team. On the contrary, the Japanese team played like a training match against South Korea. There was such a big difference," he confessed.
Gangwon's challenge was a valuable achievement as a civic team, but the reality was harsh. Gangwon also showed power to beat Vissel Kobe (Japan) 4-3 in the league phase, but has struggled against Japanese clubs such as Sanfrecce Hiroshima (0-1 loss) and Machida (1-3 loss).
In terms of the statistics of the game, Gangwon was at the level of an overwhelming offensive. According to the statistics media 'Foot Mob', Gangwon led the game with a 62-38 possession rate and overwhelmed Machida with a 17-6 shooting number.
However, the decision-making power was divided between joy and sorrow. In the 25th minute of the first half, Machida's Na Sang-ho helped Nakamura Hotaka score the winning goal with an exquisite cross. Gangwon knocked on the opponent's goal throughout the game and remained silent.
In addition, after the defeat, head coach Chung Kyung-ho said, "This ACLE was a very good experience for Gangwon, a civic club. It was an honor not only for the team, but also for the players, staff, and those who supported us, he said. "There are still many things to improve in order to develop further. Financial investments such as infrastructure investment are also important as well as club management and player level. If we can improve that, we can move on to a bigger stage next time," he added.
Coach Chung Kyung-ho then vowed, "Korean teams can do better," but "We will try to enjoy the ACLE stage again in the near future."
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*This content was translated by AI.
