Pohang Steelers Coach Sergio Farias: We Deserved The Win

Pohang Steelers coach Sergio Farias was delighted with his team’s 2-1 win over Al Ittihad in the final of the Asian Champions League in Tokyo on Saturday. 

After a goalless first half, Pohang took the lead against the run of play through Noh Byung-joon just before the hour and just minutes later, Kim Hyung-il headed home a second.

Mohammed Noor reduced the arrears with 16 minutes remaining to set up a nervous end but Pohang held on comfortably.

“On balance 2-1 was the right result,” Pohang’s Brazilian coach Sergio Farias told reporters.

The Brazilian also welcomed Pohang’s entry to the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi in December.

 “To get to the Club World Cup is the biggest thing to happen to this club. It’s a dream come true for the players.”

 “First though, there is still the K-League to come.”

For Farias, the decisive factors on the night were the dead ball plays.

 “Set pieces made the difference today. Our set pieces worked well and Al Ittihad’s weren’t successful,” concluded Farias.