Da Sheng still claims "not at full strength," Incheon United's championship ambitions

Zuo Ruifa from Dingnan, Jiangxi With an 8-1 easy win over Shenzhen Xinpengcheng, Incheon United U15 achieved back-to-back victories in the first 462 Cup China-Korea Youth Football Elite Challenge, but head coach Midaer Park feels that even including yesterday’s 3-1 triumph against Xi’an Sports School, his squad has not yet displayed their complete strength.

Compared to the opening round, Incheon United’s starting lineup saw extensive changes. Seeing a three-goal lead by the 19th minute of the first half, Midaer Park substituted three key players and used all seven substitution slots before halftime. The captain’s armband rotated among No. 24 Kim Heolan, No. 22 Lee Junmin, and No. 14 Liu Canyong.

“We try to keep our main players motivated while giving substitutes more playing time,” he explained. Through these substitutions, the team’s overall competitive condition is expected to improve during their stay in Dingnan, “because we know each Chinese team has unique characteristics, and the upcoming matches will become increasingly intense.”

Due to the tournament format, the four Korean teams visiting China will not face each other in the first stage; all opponents in the first six rounds are Chinese teams. Against different teams, Incheon United’s coaching staff will adopt varied tactics, personnel, and formations. When facing stronger opponents later, their technical and tactical approach will become more distinct and targeted.

Because of the long journey and late arrival at the competition site, Incheon United has not yet reached their peak condition. Midaer Park said that through two days of matches and adaptation, rotation, and rest, they are moving toward their set goals. “We want to win every game; coming to Dingnan, China, our goal is to claim the championship.”

At this point, he expressed sincere thanks for the excellent services and facilities provided by the hosts. “You probably know that Korea’s weather is either too cold or too hot, but Dingnan’s climate is warm and comfortable, and the facilities are excellent—perfect for training and competing.” He said he will definitely invite more Korean teams to hold training camps in Dingnan in the future.

Shenzhen Xinpengcheng, who were extremely passive in the first half, pulled one goal back with a long-range shot in the second half, improving the match’s atmosphere. Incheon United captain Kim Heolan said he respects and learns from the opponent’s spirit of never giving up until the final whistle.

From January 10 to 20, the “462 Cup” inaugural China-Korea Youth Football Elite Challenge, hosted by Football Newspaper and the Dingnan County People’s Government, is held at the National Youth Football Training Center in Dingnan, Ganzhou, Jiangxi. The event invites 12 top domestic youth teams and 4 elite Korean squads, for age groups born in 2011 and 2012. The tournament aims to focus on China-Korea football exchange, create high-quality competition, and cultivate elite youth training deeply.