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Goals For Better, For Worse [Part One] - Engineering Entertainment

2026-08-06T23:46:01.935+09:00

Having now followed K League in multiple capacities for the last twelve years, Matthew Binns takes a look back at some of the various rules implemented over the last decade, the impact they have had on the pitch and whether they could be deemed a success. In the first part of this series, the focus is placed on the change in first tie-breaker from Goal Difference to Goals For in order to forcibly extract more attacking football from a division that was admittedly looking stagnant.

A version of this article first appeared as early access on July 17th, 2026 over on our Patreon

Ahead of the 2016 season, Korean football was facing a perceived crisis of cagey, low-scoring affairs, where defensive solidity had begun to outweigh the benefits of moving forward. With goals seemingly drying up and attendances dwindling, the proposed solution was not to wait for tactical revolution, nor the fostering of a new generation of striking talent, but a regulative attack on defensive football that sought to rewire managers’ approach to the game.

For two years prior to intervention, sitting in the stands of K League Classic stadiums often felt like witnessing an exhaustive masterclass in risk mitigation. This tactical paralysis spawned from an unspoken managerial consensus: success through solidity.

Perhaps it made sense given the environment in which it festered. With just twelve teams in the table, plus the introduction of relegation at the end of the 2012 season and the removal of Championship play-offs a couple of years before that, teams were no longer afforded the free-hit of falling down the table without consequence, nor the concern of fading out in a title race due to the second opportunity provided by knockout football. A combination of risk-aversion to stave off previously unknown threats, a lack of teams in the division and managerial faces that were rarely removed from the carousel was now culminating in a dirge of monotony on the pitch.

Not only that, but the required publication of player wage expenditure from the 2013 season onwards was also theorised to factor. The initial realisation of the disproportion between actual expenditure and match-day revenue led to belt-tightening in boardrooms and more "value-for-money" tactics on the field.

It also coincided with the rise of the Chinese Super League, a division whose clubs were aggressively signing star names through irresistible transfer sums and unmatchable player contracts. The K League had almost shifted into a selling league overnight.

As a result, a barren landscape was forming from the drought in front of the net, with just 2.55 and 2.22 goals per game over the 2014 and 2015 seasons respectively, while neighbouring divisions such as J.League 1 (2.53 and 2.68) and the then expanding Chinese Super League were averaging considerably higher (2.75 and 2.8).

Given the desire to emulate overseas divisions, stretching this beyond neighbouring leagues and into Europe & MLS further amplifies the issues, showing just how much the scoring of goals had dried up on the Korean peninsula.

Korean football seemed to be trapped in a low block cycle, unable to move forward both on and off the field. If a team went 1-0 up, the game was effectively over. Managers would prefer to park the bus and ensure the points while those sides unable to muster a reply could find their own bus parked post-match, barricaded by protesting supporters.

To further the point, a painful 36% and 33% of games across the 2014 and 2015 seasons respectively ended with just a single goal or less, meaning that over a third of supporters were attending matches knowing that there may well be little to cheer about come full time.

At this time, K League as a product was already becoming a hard sell. Still reeling from the fallout of dwindling attendances brought on by a match-fixing scandal half a decade earlier, and constantly in the shadow of the ever-popular sport of baseball, providing an offering on the pitch that was far from entertaining was only serving to compound matters and further disinterest.

Rather than await tactical innovation or the emergence of new managers with fresher ideas and untrodden pathways, The Korea Professional Football League took a regulatory shortcut in order to try and shock K League back to life. They realised that to lure the managers’ gaze towards attacking football, they would have to change the way in which the standings were calculated.

By elevating Goals For (GF) above Goal Difference (GD) as the primary tie-breaker ahead of the 2016 season across both professional divisions of Korean football, the federation let fire a long-range administrative shot on defensive football. Overnight, winning in a chaotic 4-3 became superior to a solid 2-0 victory, with teams encouraged to keep attacking despite having a healthy lead as the impact of conceding a consolation was reduced.

It was somewhat of a radical gamble given how much of an anomaly the prioritising of Goals For is on the global stage. Notably, USA's Major League Soccer (MLS) trialed it for a single season in 2012 as their first tie-breaker before switching to Total Wins a year later after feeling it was more important to reward victories.

Prior to 2012, the MLS had been facing goals per game averages of 2.53, 2.46 and 2.58 for three consecutive seasons (2009-2011), with the switch in preference to Goals For at least seeing it increase to 2.64 before governing bodies chose to change paths again. Admittedly, not entirely convincing numbers if you are evaluating its success in terms of on-field output, but enough evidence to suggest it lacked a negative impact and therefore was worth the roll of the dice.

The K League announcement on the 18th January 2016, two months from the season start, was initially met with mixed reaction from across the league. While then younger managers such as Suwon Samsung Bluewings manager Seo Jung-won acknowledged that supporters wanted to see more attacking football and this was one way to achieve that, there was hesitation from more established figures such as then Seongnam FC boss Kim Hak-bum, who felt it undermined the importance of defending. Jeju United manager Cho Sung-hwan took a more measured approach, believing that it would not affect all 12 teams and only start to factor more consciously into play towards the end of the season when rankings may be tight.

For additional context, Suwon Samsung Bluewings had scored the highest number of goals for the 2015 campaign whereas Seongnam FC recorded the lowest number of goals in the top half, yet had recorded the second best defence in the division.

Interestingly, there is a decent case for Kim Hak-bum’s Seongnam side being one of the least entertaining sides during this nadir, and perhaps understandably so. The club moved under city council control ahead of the 2014 season following divestment from the Unification Church-backed Ilwha Sports in 2013. Restricted budgets meant the now-Magpie-branded outfit, had to face new realities and a focus on the defensive and the practical. Despite this, they did lift an FA Cup in 2015 and a respectable fifth place finish, so their approach was not entirely without merit.

Regardless, Seongnam would limp into the second tier at the end of 2016, albeit with 47 goals, the sixth highest in the division. This would suggest not so much failure to adapt, but a failure to keep a hold the successful signing of the creative Tiago beyond half a campaign, seeing them resort to a more defensive setup for the latter half of the year, scoring 18 times in 20 games following his departure and just once in their last five post-split matches.

The switch did seem to reap dividends on the field for the league as a whole though, with each team in the top flight that season recording 2.71 goals per game, an increase of 0.32 on the year previous and the highest since the league did away with play-offs. Overall, 618 goals were scored over 228 games of football, with tallies for 2014 and 2015 being at 506 and 546 respectively.

The number of matches ending with just a single goal or less dropped significantly also, with fans running the risk of enduring such an encounter at the likelihood of 25%, a percentage that would fall even lower over the next four campaigns.

The trend would sustain itself through the few seasons immediately after the rule change, with average goals per game continuing to come in at over 2.6. While there may well be other factors to consider, the tables suggested that the rule change had provoked a reaction in the league’s approach to attacking football through the number of goals scored.

Furthermore, the likelihood of results with a goal or fewer had reduced considerably, initially dropping to 27.63% in 2016 before dropping further to 23..68% the season after. Fans were now attending stadiums once again confident in seeing teams score, which could perhaps be considered one of several contributing factors to an eventual rise in attendances.

On the pitch, teams were now being more direct in their setup. Many teams in the 2014 and 2015 seasons had often preferred a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a preference for two defensive midfielders, while those teasing a back-three tended to restrict their wingbacks from moving forward. The term “Ten-Back” (텐백) often coined in reference to the defence-first setup many aside. It even slipped into manager lexicon with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors manager Choi Kang-hee bemoaning it after Kim Hak-bum’s Seongnam side stifled them for 90 minutes in order to progress through in the FA Cup, before taunting his Seongnam counterpart on the style once more ahead of their Round 1 clash in 2015.

The prioritisation of goals scored though saw teams make shifts on field. Teams utilizing a single defensive midfielder and attacking wingers ala Jeonbuk’s aggresive 4-1-4-1, or a more attacking 3-4-3 to balance defensive stability with counter-attacking sensibilities, adopted mid-campaign by struggling sides Incheon United, Jeju United and Jeonnam Dragons to help salvage their seasons.

This was also reflected in the Golden Boot race, something that had become quite uninspiring given how few goals were required to win it. With three-time Golden Boot winner Dejan Damjanovic making the switch from FC Seoul to Beijing Guoan in 2013, the opportunity arose for other strikers to seize upon the opportunity. However, goals per game for the eventual victor dropped sharply, resulting in just 0.4 and 0.47 goals per appearance for 2014 and 2015 seasons respectively.

Following the rule change, numbers picked up once more, with the Gwangju FC’s Jung Jo-gook storming the goalscoring table ahead of FC Seoul’s Adriano (15) and now-returned Dejan Damjanovic (13), as well as Jeonbuk’s Ricardo Lopes (13) and Seongnam’s half-season wonder Tiago (13).

The trend would continue upwards for the following two seasons, peaking in 2018 with Gyeongnam’s stunning run to 2nd place thanks to the unstoppable force of their striker Marcão. Ultimately, it could be argued that strikers already plying their trade in the division were now benefiting from more forward-thinking tactics, while clubs were also perhaps equally encouraged to ensure adequate due diligence had been carried out in their scouting to sign quality additions from outside the league.

Unfortunately, the trend could not be sustained forever, however, with the goals per game average declining slightly beyond the 2021 season, but nowhere near to the lows of the seasons prior to 2016. Interestingly, there is a case here for further influence for post-pandemic rule changes, one that will be explored in a later installment.

However, for a while, the prioritisation of Goals For had led to a renewed emphasis of attacking football in Korea’s top flight. The intervention looked as if it had paid off, or at least provided the initial jolt required to ideally point football in a more forward-thinking direction both on and off the field.

What was happening in the division below though, was something else entirely…

TNT FC July Feature: 'I See Opportunity, Not Pressure' – How Hwangbo Su is building TNT FC's future

2026-08-03T18:27:05.447+09:00

Success has a way of changing expectations. After guiding TNT FC through an outstanding 2025 campaign, head coach Hwangbo Su entered the new season knowing that repeating those achievements would bring fresh challenges. Rather than allowing those expectations to become a burden, however, he has embraced them as motivation.

Image via TNT FC

"The strong results we achieved in 2025 did create some pressure during our preparations," Hwangbo admits. But I'm satisfied that we've made a smoother start than expected."

The opening weeks of the 2026 campaign have certainly justified that optimism. TNT FC have begun the K5 League season in impressive fashion, combining convincing performances with free-scoring victories that have reinforced the club's ambitions.

Preparing for the season was not straightforward. Various scheduling circumstances meant TNT's first competitive fixture came later than usual, making it difficult to maintain motivation during an extended pre-season.

"It wasn't easy keeping the players focused," Hwangbo says. "But with the support of the coaching staff we overcame those challenges and started the season without any major issues. It's been an encouraging beginning that gives us plenty to look forward to."

Turning setbacks into opportunities

The unusual K5 League schedule also presented another obstacle, with a lengthy gap separating the opening two rounds of the season.

Many managers would view such an interruption as disruptive. Hwangbo chose a different approach.

"At first I thought it would be a major difficulty," he explains. "But I quickly changed my perspective and thought, 'Let's use this time to prepare more thoroughly and bring out even more of the potential in our players.'"

That mindset paid off. Following their success in 2025, TNT earned opportunities to compete in both the Korea Cup Preliminary Round and the International Chiang Mai Cup. Rather than losing momentum during the break, the club used those competitions to sharpen match fitness and continue developing.

"While the long break may have been a disadvantage for other teams, it became a meaningful period for us."

Pressure? Think opportunity

TNT FC have made no secret of their ambitions this season. With heightened expectations comes increased scrutiny, but Coach Hwangbo refuses to view that as pressure.

"I always try to see it as an opportunity rather than a burden."

It's a philosophy that shapes both his coaching and his outlook.

"Like the players, I also consider myself a challenger," he says. "I'm always prepared to face difficulties and learn through setbacks."

Rather than placing responsibility solely on himself, Hwangbo repeatedly returns to the collective nature of the project.

"It would be difficult to overcome everything alone, but I'm working together with the coaching staff and players to meet these challenges."

Goals are a mindset

One of the standout features of TNT's early-season form has been their attacking football.

The club's high-scoring victories have naturally attracted attention, but Hwangbo insists the emphasis on finding the net goes beyond statistics or goal difference.

"Football is a game about scoring goals," he says. "Putting the ball in the net is more important than anything else."

For Hwangbo, however, attacking football also reflects mentality.

"Players must give their best throughout the entire match. Coaches must also do their best and create an environment where the players can perform at their highest level."

The team's impressive scoring record, he believes, is simply the product of that collective commitment.

"Our performances are the result of the players' strong desire and determination to score goals."

Experience leading ambition

TNT's squad combines experienced veterans with younger players eager to develop, and Hwangbo believes that balance has become one of the club's greatest strengths.

"The veteran players provide tremendous support to both me and the younger players."

Their influence extends well beyond matchday.

"They improve the quality of our training, contribute to the atmosphere around the team and, most importantly, strengthen our unity."

For younger players, their value is equally significant.

"They receive guidance in technical aspects of the game, physical preparation and mental management. It's gradually becoming an important and positive part of our team culture."

Building something bigger

While immediate success remains important, Hwangbo's vision stretches far beyond this season's results.

"Our short-term challenge is to maintain strong performances every season," he explains. "Our long-term challenge is to develop from an amateur club into a professional club."

It's an ambitious objective, but one the entire organisation shares.

"Beginning with CEO Kim Tae-ryung, everyone at the club has worked together for several years to keep improving. We understand our values, our vision and the direction the club needs to take."

For Hwangbo, perhaps the greatest responsibility is ensuring that everyone continues moving forward together.

"Our players naturally want to develop even faster than the club itself," he says. "As a manager, my biggest challenge is creating an environment where the club, the players and I can all continue to dream and pursue our goals."

It's a revealing answer from a coach who consistently frames obstacles as opportunities. Whether it's expectations, interrupted schedules or ambitious targets, Hwangbo Su approaches each challenge with the same mindset.

For TNT FC, that mentality may prove just as important as the results on the pitch.

2026 K League 2 Round 16 Preview

2026-07-03T15:09:06.129+09:00

K League 2 returns this weekend after the World Cup break, with Round 16 ushering in a crucial stretch of the promotion race. A classic rivalry between Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Seongnam FC headlines the weekend's fixtures, while Chungbuk Cheongju look to build on their long-awaited first win of the season. At the individual level, Busan IPark winger Son Hui will be hoping to carry his renewed confidence into the second half of the campaign.

Match of the Round

Suwon and Seongnam Renew Historic Rivalry

The K League 2 promotion race resumes this weekend with Round 16, and one of Korean football's traditional rivalries takes centre stage as Suwon Samsung Bluewings host Seongnam FC.

Suwon went into the break with a 2-1 victory over Hwaseong FC, a particularly valuable result given the absence of several players on international youth duty. The win also moved them to within three points of league leaders Busan IPark.

Seongnam have been a favourable opponent for Suwon in recent meetings. Last season, the Bluewings recorded two wins and a draw against the Magpies, with all three matches decided by dramatic stoppage-time goals from Suwon. One of the key questions this weekend will be how Suwon cope without Paulinho, while supporters will also be eager to see whether the team's attack, which lacked consistency during the first half of the season, has improved over the break.

Seongnam, meanwhile, entered the break without a win in five matches (D4 L1). While they have maintained their trademark defensive organisation, goals have been harder to come by, and the club will be looking for forwards Rodrigo Angelotti and Paul Villero to rediscover their best form. One positive has been the emergence of academy graduates Park Byeong-gyu and Kim Min-jae, with both youngsters making an impact from the bench by getting on the scoresheet this season.

Although Suwon are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Seongnam (W4 D1), the contests have consistently been closely fought. Another entertaining encounter is expected when the sides meet at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Suwon World Cup Stadium.

Team of the Round

Chungbuk Cheongju Ready to Build Momentum

No team had to wait longer for a first win this season than Chungbuk Cheongju. They opened the campaign with 10 draws and three defeats from their first 13 league matches, coming close to victory on several occasions without managing to get over the line.

That breakthrough finally arrived in their final match before the break, making it all the more significant as it came away to third-placed Seoul E-Land. Trailing 1-0 late in the game, Chungbuk Cheongju completed a dramatic comeback through Lee Jong-eon in the 85th minute before Mender García struck the winner deep into stoppage time.

The performance reflected the team's strengths throughout the season. Chungbuk Cheongju attempted an impressive 575 passes and finished with an 88.9 percent pass completion rate, combining attractive football with the result they had been searching for.

One of Chungbuk Cheongju's biggest strengths has been their consistency of performance. Even before registering their first victory, they regularly controlled games and showed they could compete with any opponent. Now, with that first win behind them, they will hope the break has given them the platform to become even stronger.

Their task will not be easy, however, as they face a Daegu FC side unbeaten in six league matches (W4 D2). Since the arrival of head coach Choi Sung-yong, Daegu have quickly settled into a familiar back-three system, tightening up defensively while Serafim has continued to impress in attack and Edgar has rediscovered his finishing touch. The two sides meet at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Cheongju Sports Complex.

[READ: 2026 K League 1 Round 16 Preview]

Player of the Round

Busan's Son Hui Rediscovering His Best Form

League leaders Busan IPark entered the break with mixed emotions following a 2-2 draw against Chungnam Asan in Round 15. While they were frustrated to drop two points, they were encouraged by the return to form of winger Son Hui.

Starting on the left side of midfield, Son made an immediate impact by delivering the corner that Kim Min-hyeok converted after just four minutes. Eight minutes later, he intercepted an opposition pass before unleashing a superb long-range strike with his right foot to double Busan's advantage. The winger was directly involved in both of Busan's goals, while his strike was his first since April's meeting with Gyeongnam FC.

His contribution extended beyond goals and assists. Renowned for his relentless work rate, Son also impressed with his defensive contribution, making an impact at both ends of the pitch. Having struggled for consistent playing time this season, his display against Chungnam Asan served as a timely reminder of his quality, combining dangerous delivery from set pieces with his trademark energy.

Son's resurgence has also intensified competition for places on the wings at Busan. With Choi Ye-hoon enjoying a strong campaign and U22 prospect Kim Hyeon-min also performing well, head coach Jo Sung-hwan now has several options depending on the opposition and match situation.

Busan will look to protect their place at the top of the table when they travel to Jeonnam Dragons this weekend. Jeonnam have gone 13 league matches without a win (D5 L8) since opening the season with victory. Although new head coach Lim Gwan-sik is still searching for his first win in charge, the month-long break has given him valuable time to work with his squad. Busan's trip to Gwangyang Football Stadium kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

via K League press release

2026 K League 2 Round 16 Fixtures

Saturday 4th July - 19:30

Chungbuk Cheongju vs. Daegu FC
Ansan Greeners vs. Suwon FC
Paju Frontier vs. Yongin FC
Suwon Samsung Bluewings vs. Seongnam FC

Sunday 5th July - 19:30

Gimhae FC 2008 vs. Seoul E-Land
Gimpo FC vs. Chungnam Asan
Gyeongnam FC vs. Cheonan City
Jeonnam Dragons vs. Busan IPark

Where to Watch

Watch all matches live on TV.KLeague.com.