First A-Match (8)
◆ The reason why the Iran national team is currently rated as Asia's most powerful soccer nation. Sure, a significant number of their players compete in Europe—and some even in the big leagues—plays a part, but the decisive factor is their outstanding physicality.
Geographically in Asia, but racially closer to Westerners, Iran's players are blessed with innate physiques. Their heights aren't much different from Korea's, but the difference in body thickness—their sheer bulk—is undeniable. And that makes a huge impact in physical duels, just as much as height.
'Plus, they're strong in the air.' Another reason Iran has cemented itself as Asia's number one is their dominance in aerial battles. Against similar heights—especially Asian teams—they often seize control of the ball in the air.
Typically, Iran deploys a powerful attack upfront to rack up early goals, then drops deep, packing the box to hold the lead until the end.
'That's why we're particularly weak against Iran.' Traditionally, Korean soccer has struggled against Middle Eastern teams. That hasn't changed. Especially against physically dominant, rough styles like theirs, teams with similar approaches don't match up well.
Joao Martins also favored a robust style. He emphasized build-up from the back, but when opponents pushed high, he'd switch to long balls from deep for quick counters—and it worked wonders. The problem? When teams sat deep, he couldn't break them down effectively.
'Aerial weakness is the biggest issue.' In set pieces, two tall center-backs with strong headers could join the attack. Otherwise, the forwards had to handle it. Regrettably, in recent years, Korea had virtually no strikers who threatened from the air up top.
Technically gifted players abounded, but the type who could hold up play through physical battles, win headers, and smash through blocked defenses? They were extinct.
But...
'Finally, he's here.' A bright smile spread across reporter Kim Min-seok's face. He hadn't built up enough experience to call national team matches yet, so he was in the press box instead of commentary. But that regret vanished with the goal.
"Whoa! That's what a striker should feel like."
"Has it been forever since we saw a header goal?"
"Yeah. First corner kick, and boom—header. Cha Tae-oh is the real deal."
"Dude's got 89 goals this year already. Make that 90."
"Man! Goal ghost, straight up. Ugh-huh!"
Cheers for Cha Tae-oh poured from the Korean fans behind him. His popularity was skyrocketing, but more fans hadn't seen AD Alcorcon games than had. National team matches drew even casual viewers.
As someone hoping all Korean soccer fans would embrace Cha Tae-oh, Kim Min-seok felt a warm satisfaction watching him build his reputation. Plus, Tae-oh's success meant spillover benefits for him.
'Tae-oh won't stop here.' He hadn't even shown his true potential yet. For that, opponents needed to push up and leave space behind.
'Though I know he'd break a packed defense anyway...'
When space opened, Cha Tae-oh became more dangerous than any striker alive. Strength, skill, pure finishing, and speed—all in one package.
"Great— Korea!"
Clap-clap— clap-clap-clap!
"Great— Korea!"
Clap-clap— clap-clap-clap!
The cheers heated up. Leading 1-0, Korea had Iran scrambling to adjust. They ditched the lockdown defense, pushing the line high for quick forward passes.
Iran attacked aggressively; Korea shifted defensive. Korea's backline was solid, but not foolproof. Iran's attack was razor-sharp too.
'Hamed Mousavi is definitely the threat.' AC Milan's right winger, Iran's ace, kept shaking Korea's left flank. Before the opener, left-back Jeon Se-hyeon had bombed forward like a winger. Now? Pure defense.
Traumatized from the last clash, where Mousavi stripped his soul bare? Jeon Se-hyeon focused solely on shutting him down with fierce marking.
'Steal it with good defense, then poke it forward.' Despite conceding once, Cha Tae-oh's header opener had Iran leaving him relatively free.
'Mistake.' With the line high and space behind, they kept a loose distance, just tracking his run. No urgent marks from the Iran bench either.
Even with his La Liga 2 form, they trusted Fulham's Saeid Hosseini and Fenerbahçe's Mohammad Salehi to handle him.
'They'll learn soon enough. You need two defenders glued to him to even touch the ball.' Kim Min-seok was dead certain their complacency would cost them big.
And exactly 10 minutes after the first goal, at the 29th minute...
Thwack—!
"...!"
Iran striker Esan Alinezad took a heavy first touch; Oh Seong-jin pounced, stealing it clean. A shoulder barge, but no foul from the ref.
As Iran's forwards protested, wham—!
Spotting unmarked Kim Min-woo, Oh Seong-jin fired a no-hesitation pass. Iran players rushed back.
Kim Min-woo didn't pause either, threading it forward.
Thud—! To Cha Tae-oh.
Per Joao Martins' orders, I stayed higher, focusing on shots. By the 29th minute, I'd unleashed five. Only one on target—the header goal.
No choice. Three were desperate headers off poor crosses. The last? I created space post-press, but a defender blocked it.
Shots I'd never attempt at AD Alcorcon. But for the national team, my mission was max shots inside the box. Coach's word was law.
Plus, they sat deep, packing the box. But post my opener, things shifted. As expected, Iran pushed up for the equalizer, opening space behind.
And their two center-backs? Loosely marking me—practically ignoring.
A perfect chance. The tantalizing feast laid out.
Wham—!
The spoon finally arrived—from Kim Min-woo, who'd set up my debut A-match goal with that corner.
All I had to do: pick it up and eat.
Thud—! First touch glued the ball to my foot; I spun toward goal.
The center-backs backpedaled fast. Behind me, their midfielders charged. Fullbacks sprinted back from wide.
Usually, they'd press hard to stop the turn, buying time for recovery. But Iran's centers held off.
Smart play. Fail the press, and it's a one-on-one with the keeper.
But.
Thud-thud—! Backing off isn't the answer either. Before they retreat fully into the box, I charge and blow through.
I surged at the two centers; Saeid Hosseini halted, lunging bull-like.
Split-second. I feinted right, extending my right foot.
He bought it, spreading his legs to block.
Thud—! Nutmeg. Through the legs.
Humiliating for him. Unexpected, reaction lagged half a beat.
I slotted it through, flowed right, shrugged off his arm tackle, won the duel, and exploded into a sprint.
Rough enough for a foul on anyone else. Not me. A yellow-card leg trip would've been smarter.
Since not...
Thud—! I powered past Saeid Hosseini.
Won the shoulder too; I heard him stumble behind.
With him out, just Mohammad Salehi and the keeper left.
Salehi knew my stronger right foot, so he opened my left side. No angle for a right-footed shot.
True, pre-goblin, right was dominant.
Thud—! Tat-tat-tat—! I took the bait path.
He stretched arms to block, but my momentum was unstoppable.
Dribbling him into the box, I eyed the keeper and net briefly.
Then, no hesitation: low, bullet drive to the far post bottom corner.
Thwang—!
No need to look.
Splash—!
"...!"
"...!"
"...Aaah—!"
"Waaaaaah—!"
I never miss perfect chances.
◆
1. Why'd Gimpo release him?
2. Why'd he flop in K3?
3. Why league 2 in La Liga?
Fr he'd bag 10+ in any top 3 Euro league this season