Three consecutive matches: 1, 2, then 1 effective shot — just 4 in total to secure 7 points... The unbelievable efficiency of Gimpo's football [Paju on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

"This is Gimpo football."

These are the words of Ko Jeong-won (60), the head coach leading Gimpo FC in K League 2. Gimpo has joined the race for the upper standings by showcasing unbelievable efficient football.

On the 25th, Gimpo secured a 1-0 victory in an away match against Paju Frontier in Round 13 of the Hana Bank K League 2 2026 at Paju Stadium. They failed to capitalize on favorable momentum in the first half and struggled against the opponent's fierce attacks in the second half. However, Gimpo did not miss the decisive opportunity that arrived at the final moment. In the 6th minute of stoppage time during a counterattack, Kim Sung-jun scored the winning goal to bring home the victory.

On this day, Gimpo displayed extreme efficient football. They recorded 8 total shots, but only 1 was on target. Kim Sung-jun's winning goal was Gimpo's only shot on target that day. A single shot on target directly led to a win.

Looking at recent trends, Gimpo's efficiency is even more astonishing. In their away match against Cheongju on the 9th, Gimpo managed only 9 total shots and 1 on target. Judging solely by the numbers, it would be difficult to say their attacking accuracy was high. However, Gimpo secured 1 point with a dramatic equalizing goal by Kim Min-seok in the 1st minute of stoppage time while trailing 0-1.

The match against Ansan Greeners on the 16th was even more dramatic. Ansan fired no fewer than 19 shots, but only 4 were on target, and they ultimately failed to open the Gimpo goal. In contrast, Gimpo achieved a 1-0 victory with just 7 total shots and 2 on target, securing 3 points away from home.

Gimpo took the lead in the 5th minute of the first half with a goal by Luis in the Ansan match. However, midfielder Dezauma was sent off in the 7th minute of stoppage time of the first half, putting them in a major crisis. Even while at a numerical disadvantage, Gimpo did not lose focus until the end. They showcased tenacious defense and physical, body-blocking defense, ultimately preserving their one-goal lead.

In their last 3 matches, Gimpo harvested 2 wins and 1 draw, totaling 7 points, with just 4 effective shots (1, 2, and 1 respectively). This is a result that cannot be explained by simple luck alone. The scoreless victory against Ansan, along with goals scored in stoppage time in the Cheongju and Paju matches, were scenes created by the high concentration, perseverance, and unyielding spirit of the Gimpo players who never gave up until the end.

After the Paju match, head coach Ko Jeong-won said, "Even in the Ansan match where we had a player sent off, we managed to secure a victory. I judged that game could be a turning point and an opportunity for a comeback. I thought this Paju match was important, and while there were differences in performance between the first and second halves, the players did their best away from home. I want to congratulate them on the two consecutive wins."

Regarding the efficient football they have been showing recently, he said, "Everyone thought we would collapse quickly, but this seems to be Gimpo football. Last year, we often lost or drew because we conceded goals in stoppage time. But this year, we often draw or win by scoring goals in stoppage time. The fact that we played such matches away from home suggests that our players have better mental strength compared to players from other teams," he praised.

Gimpo, who have gone unbeaten in their last 3 matches, are now in 7th place in the league with 5 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses (20 points). The gap with 3rd-place Seoul E-Land (23 points) is not large. They are on a trajectory that could take them even higher. However, they cannot rely solely on efficient football indefinitely. To climb further in the standings, they need the power to dominate opponents in terms of match performance. Head coach Ko Jeong-won emphasized, "We need to deliver better performances than we have so far to compete with the top teams."

Gimpo will face the bottom-ranked Gimhae FC away on the 30th, and then host Jeonnam Dragons, currently in 16th place, at home on the 7th of next month. Due to comprehensive renovations at their home stadium, Gimpo Solter Football Stadium, Gimpo has been playing a series of away matches recently. Therefore, the home match against Jeonnam is particularly welcome. Head coach Ko Jeong-won expressed his wish, "There is one more away match left until the break. After wrapping up the Gimhae match well, I hope the players can play freely when they return home."

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*This content was translated by AI.