- [MOBILE] In this match, the defending team won 4:1, and the 'Nexon Icon Match' ended successfully.
‘Nexon Icon Match’ has successfully come to a close. The spectators who filled the Seoul World Cup Stadium were all smiles. With a crowd of 64,000 people, it can be considered a great success. Furthermore, considering the original intention of the 'Icon Match' as a 'festival where everyone enjoys regardless of the outcome,' it can be seen as an excellent result.
The main match of the 'Icon Match' held on the 20th ended with Shield United's 4-1 victory. The statement made by coach Henry at the pre-match press conference that in short side games dividing defenders against attackers during training, the defensive team has a high winning rate, was proven true. Of course, it goes without saying that all players from both teams gave their best in the game.
FC Sphere (hereinafter attacker team) opted for a 4-3-3 formation. Forwards included Del Piero, Hazard, and Piqué, midfielders featured Hibaut, Kaka, and Fellaini, defenders comprised of Henry, Verbatov, Drogba, and Teves. Kim Byung-ji took on the role of goalkeeper. The lineup seems to reflect Coach Henry's pre-match declaration of "trying to score with infinite attacks without losing possession of the ball."
In response, Shield United (hereinafter defender team) brought out a 3-4-3 formation. The forwards were Shedorf, Yaya Toure, and Lise, midfielders included Pimastechno, Pirlo, Bonucci, and Puol, defenders consisted of Ferdinand, Vidic, and Cannavaro. Van der Sar was in goal. This side also seemed to reflect Cannavaro's statement of 'putting strong pressure on the opponent.'
At 12:30 in the first half, Shedorf swiftly pushed towards the goal after receiving a pass from Mascherano. Taking advantage of the defenders and the goalkeeper focusing on Shedorf, Toure, who had run to the opposite side, received the ball unmarked and smoothly scored, giving the defender team an opening goal.
Shedorf's performance stood out again in the second goal. At 20:15 in the first half, Shedorf's shot from the halfway line directly turned into a goal. Then, at 9:35 in the second half, substitute player Park Joo-ho received a pass from Mascherano - Shedorf and once again shook the goal of the attackers' team.
The fourth goal also belonged to the defender team. At 34:55 in the second half, as Shedorf was marked by two defenders and hesitated, Mascherano penetrated and passed excellently through Forlan's legs, stabbing a sharp shot into the goal from a tight angle, extending the score to 4-0. It was a goal that left everyone, from the commentators to the spectators and online viewers, in awe, making it the best goal of the 'Icon Match.'
In the 38:50 of the second half, the attacker team got a chance. A foul by Lim Min-hyuk awarded them a penalty kick, and Park Ji-sung, who came in as a substitute for Ahn Jung-hwan, converted the penalty kick into a goal. Declaring retirement due to a persistent knee injury, appearing on the field after over 10 years and scoring from the penalty spot, his presence brought emotional moments to the fans. Some fans couldn't contain their overflowing emotions and shed tears at the moment his penalty kick shook the opponent's goal.
The attacker team continued to demonstrate their strength until the end but couldn't score additional goals, ending the game with a 4-1 result. After the game, Ferdinand lifted the trophy high, sharing the joy of victory with the fans.
However, in this 'Icon Match,' the outcome was not as crucial. While both teams took commemorative photos together, paraded on the field, and reciprocated the fans' support, the smiles never left the players' faces. The fans were no different. Looking at their expressions, it was without a doubt that this 'Icon Match' had become an unforgettable memory for everyone.
After all schedules were completed, a brief interview session was given to Dimitar Berbatov and Clarence Seedorf, selected as the aces of both teams. Both players expressed gratitude to Nexon, the organizer, for providing them with the opportunity to meet former colleagues again through this 'Icon Match.'
Q. What are your thoughts on today's game?
- Berbatov: Let's hear the winner's thoughts first (laughs).
- Seedorf: I would like to thank everyone involved and the fans who made this event possible. Many people came to the stadium, and I felt enthusiastic support and warm love. It was a meaningful event to reunite with former teammates after a long time. Despite that, I believe our team, as the victorious side, should be a bit happier. It was a very happy two days, and I want to express my gratitude once again.
- Berbatov: I also want to express my gratitude. We received a very warm welcome. Thanks to the warm hospitality, we were able to prepare for the event as comfortably as if we were at home. From a gameplay perspective, I thought the defender team deserved to win, and it was the first time I realized how challenging defense can be in football.
As Seedorf mentioned, we were able to meet former teammates after a long time and showcase a good game for the fans, providing them with great entertainment. I hope that all the spectators who were present today had a good time. I hope we can meet again next time.
Q. Having been active in top clubs abroad, you have known and interacted with many colleagues, so what conversations did you have with former teammates you met after a long time?
- Berbatov: Both teams had former teammates and players we competed against. Sometimes a competing player becomes a teammate, and a teammate becomes an opponent, so we met after a long time and had many conversations, jokes, and exchanged words that couldn't be revealed in this setting.
I wanted to win today's game, but the defender team played so well that they emerged victorious. There was that competitive spirit, but the time spent in the hotel was too enjoyable and happy. I think these two days make one look forward to the next time such an event is held.
- Seedorf: Like what Berbatov said, I was very happy to reunite with former teammates. We had a very happy time in the hotel. Today, in addition to the joyous time with colleagues, I found the opportunity to experience Korean culture very meaningful. I am truly grateful for participating in an event where I could experience the culture of different countries while traveling around and understand those countries. I hope we can meet again next time.
