The A-Match period is the national team’s time. However, it’s also an opportunity for teams to rebound in the second half of the season.
The K League is on a short break. From the 4th to the 12th, it is the September A match week set by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Both the K League 1 and K League 2 will resume on the 16th.
However, at this point, ‘rest’ is just a luxury. Rather, it’s a chance to ‘fix and improve’. The 12 teams have played 29 games so far, with four games per team left in the regular round. The A-Match break is virtually the only chance for teams to cool off before the regular season standings are determined.
The race for the top spot is as tight as ever. Leaders Ulsan Hyundai (61 points) have faltered with no wins in their last two matches, while second-place Pohang Steelers (53 points) have narrowed the gap to single digits. Gwangju FC (45 points) moved up to third place after beating Ulsan. With only four points separating Gwangju and sixth-place Daegu FC (41 points), which is the last team to qualify for Group A of the final round, any team could drop into Group B (7th-12th).
For teams in the relegation zone, this break is even more precious. From 10th-place Suwon FC (29 points) to 11th-place Suwon Samsung (22 points) to last-place Gangwon FC (21 points), the situation is desperate. Suwon and Gangwon, in particular, could be directly relegated depending on the outcome of each game. 토스카지노 This A-League break is the last chance for the teams to reflect on their mistakes and make amends.
Physical and mental recovery is especially important. Due to their thin roster, Gangwon have been showing their physical limitations lately and are not as mobile as they used to be. Suwon has also lost two straight matches, and their spirits are low. They need to make tactical adjustments during the A-Match, but they also need to recover their physical and mental strength.