"Chang Ji-hyun's Accurate Prediction & Park Joo-ho's Foresight"... SBS Ranks No. 1 in 2049 Ratings for AG Football Match Against Saudi Arabia

SBS claimed the No. 1 spot in 2049 viewership ratings with its live broadcast of the men's national football team's match against Saudi Arabia at the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games, driven by the precise predictions and detailed tactical analyses of commentators Chang Ji-hyun and Park Joo-ho.

According to Nielsen Korea, a ratings research company, on the 23rd, the final Group D match of the men's football team broadcast by SBS the previous day recorded a metropolitan viewership rating of 1.2% among the key advertising target demographic of 2049, ranking first among the three major terrestrial broadcasters in the same time slot. The metropolitan household viewership rating surged to 3.8%, with the peak rating soaring to 4.7%, proving viewers' high level of interest.

During the broadcast, the scenario mapped out by commentator Chang Ji-hyun before the match came true exactly as predicted. Chang analyzed that "securing at least a draw would lock in first place in the group," opening up an "easy path" to face Vietnam instead of Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals. This actually materialized as the national team decisively defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0.

The foresight and detailed analysis of commentator Park Joo-ho also shone. Just as Park pointed out from the first half that "good chances are coming to Shin Min-ha," Shin scored the opening header in the 21st minute of the second half. Park repeatedly emphasized the importance of set pieces, and Kim Myung-jun's additional goal followed just two minutes later. In addition, Park added to the joy of victory with in-depth tactical commentary, such as explaining Lee Ki-hyuk's changing roles by position and spatial attack strategies to break through Saudi Arabia's congested central defense.

Advancing to the quarterfinals as the top team in Group D, the South Korean national team will compete against Vietnam for a spot in the semifinals on Friday the 25th. Meanwhile, SBS will live broadcast major Asian Games events today (the 23rd), including the men's gymnastics team final at 1 PM, the men's badminton team semifinals at 3 PM, and the men's and women's swimming finals at 5 PM.

Reporter Kang Sun-ae

(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kang Sun-ae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.