Lee Dong-gook emerged victorious over Ahn Jung-hwan to clinch the final win on 'Together We Kick 4'.
On the February 1st episode of JTBC's 'Together We Kick 4' (directed by Seong Chi-kyung, written by Mo Eun-seol), the 42nd episode featured a showdown between Ahn Jung-hwan's 'FC Fantasy Star', the top team of the 'Fantasy League', and Lee Dong-gook's 'Lion Hearts FC', who advanced through the playoffs. The two teams, with a regular season record of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses against each other, engaged in a fierce battle for the championship trophy. The broadcast captivated viewers, achieving the highest ratings among cable entertainment programs aired at the same time, according to Nielsen Korea (based on nationwide paid households).
The final match drew attention as it marked the last confrontation between two legendary strikers and rival coaches who have led the 'Fantasy League'. Lee Dong-gook, who was first in the first half, and Ahn Jung-hwan, the overall leader, heightened the tension even before the match began. Both coaches claimed ownership of the trophy and the '2026 North and Central America World Cup tickets and airfare', engaging in a tense pre-match psychological battle.
Lee Dong-gook, who advanced by defeating Kim Nam-il's 'Saksri UTD' with a five-back strategy in the playoffs, made the same choice in the final. By increasing the number of defenders, he directly blocked Ahn Jung-hwan's attacking football while also activating set-piece tactics prepared for the final, seizing the initiative from the start. Early in the first half, Lee Shin-ki had an unmarked header chance in a set-piece situation, but the shot missed the goal. Lee Shin-ki expressed regret, saying, “It was a tactic that could only be used once, so it was very disappointing not to score.”
However, disappointment soon turned to joy. In the 30th minute of the first half, Kang Hyun-seok's precise left-footed cross was finished by Lee Yong-woo with a header, scoring the opening goal. In the first half's extra time, Agent H's cross was connected by Lee An with a volley shot, adding another goal. The score at the end of the first half was 2-0. Kim Nam-il in the commentary box expressed surprise, saying, “No one would have expected Lion Hearts to lead 2-0 in the first half.”
In the second half, Ahn Jung-hwan increased the number of attackers centered around Ryu Eun-kyu to launch a counterattack. Additionally, as Lion Hearts players began to fall one by one due to muscle cramps, the flow of the game changed. At the end of the match, Baek Sung-hyun of Lion Hearts committed a charging foul against Fantasy Star's Seung-hoon in front of the goal, and after a VAR review, a penalty kick was awarded. Ryu Eun-kyu, who took the penalty, calmly succeeded, narrowing the score to 2-1. The stadium was instantly filled with tension.
However, Lion Hearts' defensive concentration did not falter until the end. With Song Ha-bin's super save and the ironclad defense centered around Lee Jang-gun and Kang Hyun-seok, they blocked Fantasy Star's final offensive, and the match concluded with a 2-1 victory for Lion Hearts.
The Lion Hearts players, who experienced extreme ups and downs from first place in the first half to last place in the second half, roared with joy as they confirmed their victory. Coach Lee Dong-gook shared the moment of triumph with his players, being tossed in the air in celebration. On the other hand, Fantasy Star players shed tears of disappointment. Ahn Jung-hwan, hiding his regret, approached Lee Dong-gook first to offer congratulations.
Lee Dong-gook expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am thankful to the players who gave me my first win as a coach,” and added, “I have lifted 10 trophies while playing in the K-League, but today's trophy will be the most memorable.” 'Soccer God' Ahn Jung-hwan also acknowledged the defeat. He said, “I can't win every day. Today, I lost, but our players won,” continuing to support his team.
'Together We Kick 4' garnered significant attention from the start as it brought together legends of Korean soccer such as Ahn Jung-hwan, Park Hang-seo, Kim Nam-il, Lee Dong-gook, and Koo Ja-cheol on one stage. These novice 'soccer coaches' returned to the field, and despite various challenges, they built their teams with their philosophies and leadership, creating the narrative of the 'Fantasy League'.
Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr