"It works."
On the 20th, Park Jung-moo, head of Nexon FC Group, summarized the successful hosting of the '2024 Nexon ICON Match' held at Seoul Sangam World Cup Stadium in this one phrase. The match featured an 11 vs. 11 main game between the forwards team 'FC Spear' and the defenders team 'Shield United,' delivering unforgettable moments to soccer fans.
Based on Nexon's popular soccer games FC Online and FC Mobile, this event attracted great attention by bringing together soccer legends from around the world in one place. FC Spear was led by manager Thierry Henry and coach Park Ji-sung, featuring legendary forwards such as Kaka, Figo, Shevchenko, Rivaldo, Ahn Jung-hwan, Lee Chun-soo, Kim Byung-ji, Eden Hazard, Drogba, and Del Piero.
Shield United fielded a lineup of defensive legends. Fabio Cannavaro served as manager, Lee Young-pyo as coach, and world-class defenders including Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidi?, Edwin van der Sar, Yaya Tour?, Carles Puyol, Ricardo Carvalho, Kim Nam-il, and Park Joo-ho formed the team.
With about 64,000 spectators filling the stadium, FC Spear and Shield United engaged in fierce battles throughout the match. The game ended with Shield United's solid defense securing a 4-1 victory. In the 13th minute of the first half, Yaya Tour? scored the opening goal assisted by Clarence Seedorf, followed by Seedorf himself scoring the second goal with a surprise long-range shot near the halfway line in the 20th minute. FC Spear attempted to attack but could not break through Shield United's strong defensive wall.
In the second half, Shield United continued to press. In the 9th minute, Park Joo-ho scored the third goal after receiving a pass from Seedorf, and in the 35th minute, Mascherano added another goal to seal the victory. FC Spear tried to turn the tide by surprisingly bringing in Park Ji-sung just before the end of the match, but only managed to reduce the deficit by one goal through a penalty kick earned by Shevchenko and successfully converted by Park Ji-sung.
After the match, Shield United's Clarence Seedorf said, "The defenders enjoyed the game more than the forwards. It was two happy days." FC Spear's Dimitar Berbatov also expressed gratitude to Nexon, the event organizer, saying, "I realized once again how important defense is in soccer. The defensive team fully deserved to win."
The ICON Match is regarded as a result of Nexon's continuous efforts to revitalize the soccer industry. Nexon has been conducting various campaigns linked to real soccer through games, such as youth soccer player support programs and entertainment content with famous overseas managers. This is to contribute to the soccer industry, expand its base, and build an ecosystem that can grow alongside games. The 'ICON Match' follows this trajectory as well.
Group head Park said, “As a result of our relentless efforts to provide content that users want, we were able to hold this meaningful tournament called the ICON Match,” adding "The FC series has many loyal users, so it holds special meaning for us. Through this ICON Match, we want to give users great memories."
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