26 July 2019
Juventus’ tour in Asia came to a close when they drew 3-3 to Team K-League in Seoul, following goals from Muratore, Matuidi and Pereira.
After matches in Singapore and Nanjing against Tottenham and Inter respectively, the Bianconeri wrapped up their final match of the tour (a firendly one at that) in Seoul, Korea, at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. The game started almost an hour later due to the late arrival at the stadium, resulting kick-off taking place at 13:50 CEST.
K-LEAGUE SCORE, JUVE RESPOND IMMEDIATELY
The game started off with a bang as two goals were scored in quick succession. Team K-League took the lead after just seven minutes when Osmar struck an effort from 30 yards that hit the inside of the crossbar and dropped down into the back of the net. Juventus then responded just two minutes later when Higuain threaded a ball to Muratore, who then sent home a diagonal ball into the back of the net.
CESINHA HANDS HOSTS HALF-TIME LEAD
The Bianconeri then laid on a string of attacks through Bernardeschi, Higuain and Muratore, while Sarri opted for a change in goal in the 39th minute by bringing on Pinsoglio in place of Szczesny. Rugani then attempted to grab the equalizer when he got onto the end of a set-piece and shot from distance, but not before the hosts grabbed the advantage going into the break through Cesinha, who converted on the stroke of half-time.
TEAM K-LEAGUE ADD TO TALLY
Five minutes after the break, the scoreline turned 3-1 in favour of Team K-League, where substitute Taggart struck a powerful snapshot on the edge of the box to beat Pinsoglio. Muratore attempted to add a second goal to his tally, with a low drive at goal, only for it to be stopped by the ‘keeper. At the hour mark, Sarri introduced a series of changes, with Buffon, Bonucci, Matuidi and Rabiot coming on in place of Pinsoglio, Rugani, Emre Can and Pjanic respectively.
MATUIDI PULLS ONE BACK
Buffon was called into action minutes later when Cesinha chested down a crossed ball and struck it on the half-volley towards goal, but the Bianconero stopper did well to handle it. Mario Mandzukic found himself in a good scoring position, but had the ball snapped away at his feet. There was a great moment of exchange between Wanderson, Taggart and Cesinha, around the box, which allowed the Brazilian to fire a powerful effort at Buffon, who handled it with class. The game was opened up again in the 78th minute when Blaise knocked the ball into the back of the net via a header, following a cross from Bernardeschi, to make it 3-2.
PEREIRA MAKES IT 3-3
That goal seemed to spark an extra bit of life into Juventus, and they fought back to make it 3-3 through a beautiful piece of action by Pereira in the 81st minute. The youngster was fed through the ball on the edge of the box, he then nutmegged his opponent, before firing an unstoppable drive into the back of the net. That would be the last goal of the game in what was a thrilling encounter at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Juventus: Szczesny (Pinsoglio 39’, Buffon 59’); Cancelo (Di Pardo 86’), de Ligt, Rugani (Bonucci 59’), Beruatto (Coccolo 65’); Muratore (Pereira 72’), Pjanic (Rabiot 60’), Emre Can (Matuidi 59’); Bernardeschi, Higuain (Mavididi 70’), Mandzukic
