An Ulsan HD star has claimed that the weather delay before their 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns affected the Korean side’s performance.
Sundowns got their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign off to a winning start, as a solitary goal by Iqraam Rayners secured all three points for the South African giants.
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Notably, Sundowns became the first CAF representative to win a match at this year’s tournament, while it also marked the club’s first-ever victory in the history of the competition.
Kick-off for the game was delayed by 65 minutes due to a lightning forecast, and now one of the Ulsan players, Jo Hyeon-woo, says the delay played a part in their overall performance.
According to The Chosun Daily, Jo Hyeon-woo said: "It [weather delay] seemed like it had an impact on the match.
"We went back in just as the players' concentration had fully peaked, and it felt like our bodies were slightly slumping. Inside, we communicated about how we should prepare.
"It was the same for the opponents, but this is a first-time experience for me.”
Fellow Ulsan teammate Ko Seung-beom appeared to have a different view from his colleague, insisting that the Korean side couldn’t dwell on the weather’s impact as Sundowns also experienced the same conditions.
"Since we were all playing under the same conditions, I don’t think it’s something we should be talking about in that regard. It’s just unfortunate.
"We played a very disappointing match, so I think we need to reflect more on that aspect.”
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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