DFL Supercup Showdown Begins

A month had passed since the news of Gyeowol's pregnancy spread. The South Korean London Olympics team advanced to the semifinals, igniting passion across the nation once more. Though they suffered a crushing 0-3 defeat to Brazil in the semis.

The 3rd/4th place match pitting Korea against Japan drew massive public attention. Korea and Japan.

Netizens from both countries started laying the groundwork for excuses in case of defeat.

The reason for Son Jinho's national team retirement hit the headlines again, drawing fire on the football association. And time marched on to August 10th. The fateful Korea-Japan match unfolded at Principality Stadium.

With Park Joo-young's mask performance and Koo Ja-cheol's insurance goal, Korea claimed the first-ever Olympic soccer bronze medal in history, plunging the nation into ecstatic frenzy. True to Korean sports' nature, where international results draw surging interest, the public's focus shifted squarely to soccer.

DFL-Supercup.

The DFL Supercup pits the Bundesliga champions against the DFB-Pokal winners in a single match at the Pokal winners' home stadium.

However, since Dortmund had achieved the double last season—league and cup—Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga runners-up, stepped in as opponents.

Bayern Munich, furious after a triple runner-up finish last season, went on a signing spree.

Dortmund fans welcomed them home early, gathering at Signal Iduna Park. No special events were planned—it was just the thrill of the regular season approaching, too exciting to sit still for.

For Germans, soccer and beer were life itself, irreplaceable. The DFL Supercup, a week before league kickoff, felt like the dawn of a new chapter.

Dortmund home fans filled the stands as chants echoed.

"Who are the German champions? BVB Dortmund!"

The fans' voices brimmed with club pride. Just years ago, they'd teetered on financial ruin; now, back-to-back Bundesliga titles had them rising fast.

True, stars like Shinji Kagawa and Robert Lewandowski from last season's second-half heroics had left, along with former main striker Lucas Barrios. But hadn't Marco Reus, who carried them by the scruff against Monchengladbach, joined?

With Son Jinho replacing Kagawa, fans felt some regret but no anxiety over this season's prospects.

Their only concern was young prospect Son Jinho straying off the path.

That worry even faded recently, letting fans express unbridled excitement for the season.

Notably, Dortmund fans—who'd fretted most about their prospect going astray—showered the loudest cheers on Han Gyeowol's pregnancy news.

There was that timeless curse on young talents. Far in the future, it'd be dubbed "Yanuzaj's Fundamentals Theory" in Son Jinho's homeland, but European fans already knew it as "kids before goals."

It explained Barcelona shipping out Ronaldinho, sunk in partying, to protect Lionel Messi.

And why Zlatan called Barca a "school" for ruthlessly weeding out wayward prospects.

Kickoff neared, and lineups dropped.

Son Jinho started as attacking midfielder, replacing Shinji Kagawa (now at Tottenham).

Korean netizens cheered his attacking mid spot—with some worries.

Central mids: Sebastian Kehl and Ilkay Gundogan. Up top: Robert Lewandowski.

Formation: The classic 4-2-3-1 for max Gegenpressing. Bayern matched it.

Post-Barcelona, Spain's La Liga icon was tiki-taka. Germany's Bundesliga? Gegenpressing.

Many reasons, but key was Bundesliga's 50+1 rule capping ownership, suiting cash-limited clubs perfectly.

"Smell goal? Shoot aggressively."

Gegenpressing master Jurgen Klopp instructed Son Jinho to target the net right before kickoff.

The ref's whistle kicked off the Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich DFL-Supercup.

Both teams clashed fiercely from the start.

6th minute: Ribery tore down the flank, crossed, and Mandzukic headed first.

Dortmund, trailing early, pushed lines up for an equalizer.

45th minute: Frustrating game, Bayern's net unyielding.

Nearly conceded on Bayern counter, but...

Son Jinho's swift recovery prevented the second goal. Dortmund countered instantly.

Crisis breeds opportunity—Bayern's balance crumbled.

Son Jinho stole the ball; Dortmund transitioned fast. Long pass to infiltrating Marco Reus on left.

Ref pulled whistle for halftime—but gave Dortmund one last chance.

Son Jinho sprinted forward post-pass. Bayern eyes on Lewandowski, Reus, Mario Gotze.

Stealthy box run; tapped the low, fast cross perfectly.

Net rippled; he dashed to tens of thousands of home fans for cradle celebration.

Meanwhile, a netizen watching the DFL Supercup posted a wake-up call.