K League 1· Season 2026
Match Summary
Pohang Steelers defeated Incheon United 1:0. The match was played in K League 1 2026. Goals were scored by Lee Ho-Jae 42′ (pen.). 4 yellow cards were shown. Incheon United made 5 substitutions, Pohang Steelers made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Incheon United and Pohang Steelers — 1 goal and 4 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
Lineups
Incheon United lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under Jong-Hwan Yoon, while Pohang Steelers deployed a 4-4-2 under Tae-Ha Park.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Incheon United is 6.70, compared to 6.92 for Pohang Steelers. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Incheon United's highest-rated starter is Kim Gun-Hee (7.01), while Pohang Steelers's best-rated player is Park Chan-Yong (7.30).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Incheon United have contributed 4 goals and 5 assists this season, led by Park Seung-Ho (4G). Pohang Steelers's starters account for 9 goals and 5 assists, spearheaded by Lee Ho-Jae (9G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Incheon United deploy 4 defenders rated 6.97 on average, against Pohang Steelers's 4-man backline averaging 7.02. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Incheon United field 5 midfielders averaging 6.55, versus Pohang Steelers's 4 rated 6.84. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Incheon United start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.61, compared to 2 for Pohang Steelers averaging 6.88. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 75% for Incheon United and 48% for Pohang Steelers. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Incheon United's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 22 for Pohang Steelers. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Incheon United's starting XI is 27.4 (youngest: Park Seung-Ho (22), oldest: Lee Ju-Yong (33)), while Pohang Steelers average 26.4 (youngest: Hwang Seo-Woong (20), oldest: Ki Sung-Yueng (36)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Incheon United's starters average 14 league appearances each, versus 24 for Pohang Steelers. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Jong-Hwan Yoon
Substitutes
Coach: Tae-Ha Park
Rivalry since 2016
Incheon United vs Pohang Steelers Head to Head Results· 29
Incheon United and Pohang Steelers have met 29 times — Incheon United won 5, Pohang Steelers won 15, with 9 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2016. Pohang Steelers leads the head-to-head with 15 victories from 29 meetings. A combined 67 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.31 per match (23 for the home side, 44 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 14 matches (48%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 9 games (31%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Pohang Steelers are currently unbeaten in the last 7 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 5–3 in 2019.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Incheon United have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Pohang Steelers show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Match Prediction
Statistical tip
Double chance: draw or Pohang Steelers
Bookmaker Odds
Best price
Incheon United
2.87
Pinnacle
Draw
3.20
Dafabet
Pohang Steelers
2.95
Dafabet
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 17 May 2026