Scott Musgrave


Who are they? Pohang Steelers Football Club
Where are they from? Pohang, South Korea
How did they qualify? As 2009 Asian Champions League Winners

Asia’s premier competition has always been full of surprises and there have been very few editions where out and out favourites conquer the competition. There is almost always one or two teams that surprise. Pohang, although having considerable pedigree in the competition, were considered outsiders as Japanese teams had largely accounted for the last few titles.

The former industry team from Pohang are now the most successful team in Asia in regards to the Champions League. Although only being four time domestic champions, the Steelers have shown their might in cup competitions and have cleaned up neatly. However, between 1998 – 2005, apart from coming close to the title in 2004, the prestigious club failed to garner any meaningful silverware until the appointment of Sergio Farias.

Expectations

There is no reason why the Korean public, and particularly Pohang fans, can’t be optimistic about their chances. Their technical superiority over at least three of the competing clubs will hold them in good stead, not to mention the worker mentality that is instilled in most South Korean players. Obviously a fifth placed finish would be a bare minimum with high hopes of a showdown against Copa Libertadores champions, Estudiantes. Even then, Farias’ men will be confident they can knock off the fancied South Americans for a dream final birth most likely against Barcelona.

Key Players

Denilson – Striker: The Brazilian journeyman’s experience in the big league will have great bearing on how the plucky Steelers go through the competition. He scored some important goals in the Asian Champions League campaign, and Farias will no doubt be looking to the former Paris Saint-Germain man for a few goals. Since his arrival at the club, he has claimed three titles, no doubt he will be looking to add a fourth.

Choi Hyo-Jin – Right wing-back: The South Korean international has caught the eye of his national team coach after some impressive performances for Pohang in both the Champions League and K-League. The 26-year-old will be in charge of defensive duties on the right side of the Steelers, and, if he can handle the pressure, will be instrumental to any success Pohang will have. Being one of only three current internationals in the squad, he will surely be looked to for leadership and Hyo-Jin will need to show more of the form that lead him to being called up for the Taegeuk Warriors.

Coach

Sergio Farias: What Farias has done to Pohang in the last four years of his tenure has been nothing short of incredible. The Brazilian magician has weaved his magic and given hope to Pohang fans that they can again be apart of Asia’s elite. Bringing home their third Champions League title will have endeared him to fans and pundits alike, and his sheer consistency has seen the team sitting pretty in second domestically, still in shooting distance of the title.

So celebrated is the former Brazil Under-20 coach, that there have even been calls for him to take the reigns of the national team once the incumbent Huh Jung-Moo leaves his post. Proving himself to be a formidable coach, the cunning Brazilian will be looking to pull the veritable wool over the eyes of his opponents.

Prediction

Pohang should account for themselves quite well provided they can overcome the physical obstacle of African qualifiers TP Mazembe. Whatever the result, fans can be very pleased with their team and others in the Club World Cup should watch out for the Asian dark horses.

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