2015 KEB Hana Bank FA Cup: FC Seoul Secures Victory
The 2015 KEB Hana Bank FA Cup, marking the 20th edition of South Korea's premier knockout football tournament, concluded with a triumphant performance by FC Seoul. In a high-stakes final held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, FC Seoul defeated Incheon United to claim their second title and secure qualification for the 2016 AFC Champions League.
The tournament featured a massive field of 79 teams, ranging from professional K League Classic sides to university teams and National Works Club Championship representatives. This diverse structure allowed for a true "cup" atmosphere, where underdogs could test themselves against the nation's elite.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบTournament Overview and Key Facts
The competition progressed through several rigorous stages, starting from the first round in late March and culminating in the grand final on October 31, 2015. The journey required teams to navigate through qualifying rounds, the Round of 32, and eventually the high-pressure semi-finals.
Key Facts
- Champions: FC Seoul (2nd title)
- Runners-up: Incheon United
- Most Valuable Player: Yojiro Takahagi (FC Seoul)
- Total Teams: 79
- Total Matches Played: 78
- Final Score: FC Seoul 3–1 Incheon United
Tournament Structure and Progression
The 2015 edition followed a structured knockout format. Professional teams from the K League Classic entered the competition during the Round of 32, while lower-tier clubs, university teams, and the K3 League participated in the earlier stages to earn their place among the giants.
Competition Stages
The tournament was organized into the following phases:
- First Round: Featuring National Works Club Championship teams, university teams, and K3 League teams.
- Second Round: Inclusion of more university and K3 League sides.
- Third Round: K League Challenge and Korea National League teams joined the fray.
- Round of 32: The 12 K League Classic teams entered the competition.
- Knockout Phases: Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and the Final.
Prize Money Distribution
Financial incentives were provided to clubs based on the round they reached, with significant rewards for the top performers:
| Round Reached | Prize Money (₩) |
|---|---|
| Base fee (non-professional) | 1,000,000 |
| Second Round | 2,000,000 |
| Third Round | 3,000,000 |
| Round of 32 | 4,000,000 |
| Round of 16 | 5,000,000 |
| Quarter-finals | 6,000,000 |
| Semi-finals | 7,000,000 |
| Runners-up | 100,000,000 |
| Champions | 200,000,000 |
The Road to the Final
The tournament saw several dramatic encounters. In the Round of 32, FC Seoul signaled their intent with a 3–0 victory over Gyeongju KHNP. As the competition narrowed, the intensity increased. The Quarter-finals saw FC Seoul overcome Pohang Steelers 2–1, while Incheon United fought through a difficult match against Jeju United to reach the final four.
In the Semi-finals, Incheon United secured their spot in the final with a 2–0 win over Jeonnam Dragons. Meanwhile, FC Seoul demonstrated their championship pedigree by defeating Ulsan Hyundai 2–1.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบThe Grand Final
The final took place on October 31, 2015, at the Seoul World Cup Stadium before a crowd of 26,797 spectators. FC Seoul dominated the match, with goals from Yojiro Takahagi, Adriano, and Molina. Although Incheon United managed to score through Lee Hyo-kyun, it was not enough to stop FC Seoul from lifting the trophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Most Valuable Player of the 2015 FA Cup?
The tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) was Yojiro Takahagi from FC Seoul.
Which teams qualified for the 2016 AFC Champions League?
By winning the 2015 KEB Hana Bank FA Cup, FC Seoul earned qualification for the 2016 AFC Champions League.
How many teams participated in the 2015 tournament?
A total of 79 teams participated in the 2015 edition of the Korean FA Cup.
What was the prize money for the champions?
The winning club received ₩200,000,000.
Where was the final match played?
The final was held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul.