Group J: Pohang Steelers (KOR) 2-0 Hanoi FC (VIE)

Having already booked their Round of 16 spot, Pohang delivered another masterclass as they reinforced their credentials as among the favourites to lift the title.

The hosts were on the front foot in the opening exchanges, and it almost looked as though Pohang were to be awarded a penalty when Yun Min-ho went down in the box inside the first 10 minutes. However, the referee waved away any appeals.

Pohang continued to dominate possession. A free-kick delivered in from a dangerous position from Kim Jun-ho found Sim Sang-min unmarked but his volley was well blocked.

The hosts continued to be patient in possession, as Hanoi FC kept nine men behind the ball. However, Hong Yun-sang found a way through on goal before being brought down by Van Nam Dao inside the box. This time, a penalty was awarded.

Lee Ho-jae opened the scoring from the spot with some assistance from the inside of the post and the hosts took a deserved lead in the 33rd minute.

Pohang had a great opportunity to make it 2-0 when Hong was played through one-on-one but the 21-year-old couldn’t find the target from inside the box.

It was more of the same in the second half for the home side, who continued to look for clever, direct balls through the heart of Hanoi’ FCs defence.

Yet it was a different route as Pohang scored their second goal. Ha Chang-rae’s header from a corner six-yards out doubled their lead as the hosts were on course to make it five wins from five.

Hanoi FC’s best chance of the match fell to Nguyen Van Quyet when a clever move found the forward on the edge of the box, but his curling effort had too much power behind it and was unable to find the target.

Pohang almost added a third when Han Chan-hee’s powerful strike from outside the box beat the goalkeeper but rattled off the post to keep the scoreline at 2-0.

Hanoi FC’s frustrations in front of goal continued when Pham Xuan Manh’s strike from close range was fired over the bar, unabling to control his effort as Pohang held on to maintain their 100% record.

Next up, Pohang sign off their campaign against Wuhan Three Towns while Hanoi FC host Urawa back in Vietnam.