Lee blames himself for Jeonbuk’s defeat

Injuries are inevitable in football, but Jeonbuk Hyundai striker Lee Dong-gook has had a harder time of it than most players. And the 32-year-old blamed himself for the team’s failure to win the AFC Champions League final after losing to Qatar’s Al Sadd on Saturday.

“Although we played a good game, we lost in the end. And I think it’s because of me,” Lee said after the game.

The Jeonbuk striker was referring to his injury that prevented him from playing a full match against Al Sadd in front of home fans at Jeonju World Cup Stadium.

Lee suffered from a thigh injury a few days ago during the semifinals. Despite the injury, he came on the pitch in the second half, but failed to make an impact on the game.

Al Sadd sank Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 4-2 on penalties after they were tied at 2-2 following extra time. Goalkeeper Mohammed Saqr made a couple of brilliant saves, and also blocked two penalties to help the team win its first title since 1989.

Jeonbuk, chasing a second Champions League win after lifting the trophy in 2006, came close to scoring several times in extra time, but were denied by the inspired Saqr.

Jeonbuk took the lead in the 17th minute thanks to Eninho’s superb free-kick, but Sim Woo-yeon cleared a cross into his own net 12 minutes later.

Abdul Kader Keita’s 69th minute strike put the visitors in front and Jeonbuk hit the woodwork twice before substitute Lee Sung-hyun finally equalized in stoppage time.

After the game had finished locked at 2-2, Saqr saved penalties from Kim Dong-chan and Park Won-jae. Although Korean defender Lee Jung-soo also missed for Al Sadd, Nadir Belhadj converted the winning penalty to win the game and also book their place in the FIFA Club World Championship.

Despite seeing his side’s defeat, Lee was named the tournament’s MVP. Lee, who has scored nine goals this competition, also won the top-scorer award.

But Lee said he could not enjoy his personal success as he felt “responsible” for the team’s defeat.

“I am extremely disappointed in myself,” the former Middlesbrough player said, admitting that it was not the first time he has let himself down.

Lee has had a successful career in the K-League, winning numerous titles with the Pohang Steelers. Also, in his first year with Jeonbuk in 2009, he scored 20 goals in 27 league matches to help the team win its first league trophy.

He, however, never lived up to his billing on the international stage. He was the youngest member on Korea’s 1998 World Cup squad, but then he had little time to demonstrate his ability.

Lee was not chosen by Guus Hiddink during the 2002 World Cup, but four years later he became a first-choice striker for Dick Advocaat’s team. But then he suffered a knee injury and missed out playing in the World Cup for the second time.

In 2010, He made it onto the national squad again and came on as a substitute in the game against Uruguay in the round of 16. But he missed a clear chance to score with his lame shot, and the team lost 2-1 to Uruguay.

On Saturday, Lee said: “I’m extremely disappointed. I want to apologize to the fans because I did not play to my full potential again.”

Jeonbuk manger Choi Kang-hee said he felt the weight of expectations of the home crowd made it difficult for his players.

“We did not score enough goals to win and this is why the game went to extra time and penalties. We failed to convert the chances we created,” he said.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)