Suwon Samsung Bluewings moved to within ninety minutes of retaining the FA Cup and qualifying for the 2011 AFC Champions League as they overcame the challenge of K-League leaders Jeju United in a semi-final penalty shootout to book their place in October’s final.
The Bluewings, who lost 3-0 to the same opponents in the league seventeen days ago, put in a much more accomplished defensive performance to keep the likes of Kim Eun-joong and Gu Ja-cheol at bay, and with the score goalless at the end of normal time and extra time the match went to penalties.
Naohiro Takahara converted Suwon’s first penalty kick, however Jeju’s Kim faltered with his side’s effort. Jose Roberto Rodrigues Mota made it 2-0 before Gu notched up Jeju’s first in the shootout to make it 2-1 after two spot-kicks each. Marcio Diogo Lobato Rodrigues missed Suwon’s third effort which allowed Lee Sang-hyub to tie the shootout at 2-2. Yeom Ki-hoon put Suwon 3-2 ahead, and then Brazilian import Danilo Montecino Neco missed Jeju’s fourth spot-kick before Yang Sang-min slotted home Suwon’s fifth penalty to wrap up a 4-2 shootout victory for the Bluewings.
Suwon’s opponents in the final will be 2004 cup winners Busan I’Park, as Hwang Sun-hong’s side required extra time to overcome the challenge of Chunnam Dragons. Yoo Ho-joon had given home side Busan a 38th minute lead, an advantage they held until the 77th minute before Antonio Rogerio Silva equalised to force extra time. Han Sang-woon restored Busan’s lead five minutes into the first extra period, however Adriano Neves Pereria brought the tie level again a minute before half time in extra time. Busan’s winner came in the 110th minute of the tie from Han Ji-ho.
The 2010 Hana Bank Korean FA Cup final will be played on on Sunday October 24th, 2010 with the venue yet to be confirmed by the Korean Football Association.
Korean FA Cup Semi-final results (Wednesday September 29th, 2010)
Suwon Samsung Bluewings 0-0 Jeju United (aet, Suwon won 4-2 on penalties)
Busan I’Park 3-2 Chunnam Dragons (aet, full time 1-1)
