Expert View: The Asian Champions League Final Aftermath

The dust has settled on Pohang Steelers' 2-1 win over Al-Ittihad in the Asian Champions League Final 2009, but the remonstrations and jubilations from the fans will continue long into the future.

We asked three members of Goal.com's Asia team - one from the Arab world, one from Korea, and one from Japan who watched the game live at the stadium - to weigh in on whether or not the Steelers deserved their third title, and how Ittihad fared...

Goal.com Japan editor Takashi Sugiyama at the National Stadium in Tokyo:

"Al Ittihad coach Gabriel Calderon said, 'We showed our quality' while Pohang tactician Sergio Farias replied that, 'The most important thing is to win'. They were both right.

"Al Itthihad have some talented players in their squad and they created some chances. In my opinion Noor was the most dangerous player for Pohang while Aboucherouane's dribbling and free kicks were great. But they couldn't score. The shots hit the bar twice. Their offence and the goal showed their true quality.

"Pohang tried to stop Al Ittihad's key players especially Noor. At
first they tried to prevent their opponent's from scoring and thenthey sought a way to win the encounter. It was a set play and they did it. Both teams showed their philosophy."

Goal.com Arabic editor Mohammed Awaad:

"It was great match between two sides that pitted Ittihad's offensive mentality against Pohang's tactical approach.

"Itiithad paid the price of not caring about conceding many goals during the competition and today they failed to capitalise of many easy chances.

"On the other hand, Pohang approached the match with great style, a defensive mindset and tried to hit on the counter with the ability to score from set pieces.

"Unfortunately, the better side didn't win but Pohang was good too."



Goal.com Korea editor Cheol-gyu Lee:

"First of all, I'd like to congratulate Pohang Steelers and their defender Kim Hyung-il. Pohang have won this trophy with players who they've developed through their youth ranks. Also, Kim Hyung-il gave it his all in the final after the tragedy of his father's death only ten days ago. I'm also happy to see that Pohang became the first K-League side to be shown in the first segment of Korean sports news this year.

"I predicted a close Pohang win in extra-time before the match, but Al Ittihad failed to score in the first half despite playing well and an unexpected Pohang goal from a set piece changed everything. It's a pity for Al Ittihad that they couldn't take advantage in the air, not to mention a fairly easy scoring opportunity they missed early on. As for Pohang, being patient in the first half by playing solid defence and a tactical change at half-time, followed by the second half when they capitalised on Al Ittihad's weaknesses got them the win

"Pohang were the dominant side in the first half and defender Kim Hyung-il, despite having lost his father recently, stayed strong and even scored a goal to give Pohang the win. It's also great to see that they beat Al Ittihad, a side which K-League clubs failed to beat for years."

Goal.com