Tactical Breakdown: How Ulsan HD's Defensive Struggles Cost Them in the Club World Cup

The Underwhelming Campaign

Ulsan HD entered the 2025 Club World Cup as K-League champions boasting Asia’s best defensive record (0.68 GA/game). Yet their 3-group stage losses – particularly the 4-2 collapse against Fluminense – revealed vulnerabilities that European scouts will eagerly document.

Key Stat: Their 7 goals conceded exceeded their entire Champions League group stage tally (5). My tracking shows 63% originated from right-back Lee Ki-je’s positioning errors during transition moments.

Tactical Fragility Exposed

Against Mamelodi Sundowns’ low block, Ulsan’s patented 4-1-4-1 struggled to create quality chances (0.87 xG). Coach Hong Myung-bo’s late switch to 3-5-2 left gaping channels - exploited ruthlessly by Fluminense’s Marcelo (3 key passes from left flank).

Critical Moment: Minute 67 vs Dortmund. With xG levels equal at 0.8-0.79, center-back Kim Young-gwon’s missed interception allowed Moukoko’s winner. Our pressure map shows Ulsan actually won midfield duels 58%-42%.

Path Forward

While elimination stings, there are positives:

• 22-year-old winger Eom Won-sang completed 86% of dribbles (tournament high)
• Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo prevented 2.3 goals above expected

The squad needs:

1. Right-back reinforcement
2. A physical #6 to shield transitions
3. More varied buildup patterns

This tournament proved Asian clubs still lack the defensive intensity for sustained success. But with January signings, Ulsan could dominate AFC competitions again.