According to Nielsen Korea, the episode of 'Kick a Goal' aired on the 16th achieved a household rating of 5.9% in the Seoul metropolitan area, with a 2049 target audience rating of 1.9%, making it the number one show in its time slot. Notably, the scene where the South Korean team clinched the victory saw peak minute ratings soar to 7.4%.
In this episode, the South Korean team, determined to avenge their first match loss, started with players like Heo Kyung-hee, Park Ha-yan, Shim Euddeum, Jung Hye-in, and Park Ji-an, known for their physical prowess. Meanwhile, the Japanese team featured key players from their first match victory, including Mashima Yu, Yokoyama, and Takahashi.
Japan initially took control of the game. Early in the first half, a handball foul by Park Ha-yan gave Japan a penalty kick, which Mashima Yu converted into the opening goal. However, South Korea quickly responded by drawing a handball foul from Takahashi, and after a VAR review, Lee Yoo-jung calmly scored the penalty to level the match at 1-1.
As tension mounted, just before the end of the first half, Japan's Mashima Yu capitalized on an open goal, scoring again after South Korean goalkeeper Heo Kyung-hee joined the attack. Trailing 1-2 at halftime, South Korea's coach Lee Young-pyo encouraged and consoled Heo Kyung-hee, aiming to shift the team's momentum.
In the second half, South Korea regained control with intense pressure and determination. In the 4th minute, Jung Hye-in's relentless pursuit of the ball led to an equalizing goal. Finally, in the 7th minute, Park Ji-an's long-range shot from near the halfway line found the back of the net, securing a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory. Commentator Bae Sung-jae remarked that Park Ji-an's goal was reminiscent of Lee Min-sung's famous long-range shot in the 1997 Tokyo match.
The match concluded with a 3-2 victory for South Korea, perfectly avenging their first match defeat. After the game, Coach Lee Young-pyo expressed satisfaction, stating, "The players deserve praise for achieving their goal." Japan's Coach Maezono acknowledged, "South Korea played excellent soccer, and we couldn't match it. Now it's 1-1. We look forward to a rematch."
Meanwhile, the end of the broadcast teased upcoming G League Group B matches, with news that Japan's ace, Mashima Yu, will join 'FC Wonder Woman,' heightening anticipation for her performance.
'Kick a Goal' airs every Wednesday at 9 PM.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)