[SBS Night] 'Kick a Goal' National Family Triumphs Over Actionista in Penalty Shootout; Advances to Semifinals

The National Family has claimed the top spot in Group A.

On the March 26 episode of SBS' 'Kick a Goal,' the showdown for the top position in Group A of the G-League took place between Actionista and the National Family.

The first goal of the match was scored by Actionista's Park Ha-na. It was her first goal in 560 days since her golden goal in the cup tournament. Park Ha-na expressed her emotions, saying, "It's been so long since I scored, I was really moved. It's a feeling you rarely get, even when acting."

Commentator Ha Seok-ju, watching the game, remarked, "I joked that she should score a goal to celebrate her wedding, and she actually did!" congratulating Park Ha-na on her goal.

However, Actionista's lead was short-lived. A shot by National Family's Kim Min-ji deflected off Park Ji-an and found the back of the net. Kim Min-ji celebrated by calling out the name of Josh, a soccer mate she met during a training camp in the Philippines, catching everyone's attention.

With the score tied at 1-1, an unexpected situation arose. National Family's goalkeeper Kim Soo-yeon committed a handball foul outside the penalty box. This clear goal-preventing action resulted in a shocking three-minute suspension.

During Kim Soo-yeon's absence, Actionista launched a relentless attack. Meanwhile, National Family filled the gap with former handball player Park Ha-yan.

Actionista's efforts were thwarted as their shots either hit the goalpost or were blocked by Park Ha-yan's solid defense.

Park Ha-yan also contributed to the offense, causing further trouble for Actionista. Despite their numerical advantage, Actionista couldn't capitalize during the three-minute window, leaving them frustrated.

As the first half ended without additional goals, players from both teams collapsed on the field, exhausted as if they had played a full match.

In the second half, an unintentional handball by Jung Hye-in gave National Family a penalty kick opportunity, which Park Ha-yan converted into a clean goal.

Another surprising moment occurred when Hwang Hee-jung accidentally handled the ball during a scramble in front of the goal, resulting in a handball foul. Park Ji-an successfully scored the penalty, bringing the game to a 2-2 tie.

Both teams exchanged rapid counterattacks, but neither could score again during regular time, leaving the match unresolved.

As the second half concluded, players collapsed on the field, and applause erupted. Park Joo-ho commented, "This was a match deserving of applause. Regardless of the outcome, both teams earned respect," as he applauded the effort.

The match was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, with Kim Soo-yeon's crucial saves securing the National Family's top position in Group A. This marked an incredible turnaround for a team that had been on a losing streak for over a year, earning them enthusiastic applause.

Actionista's coach Lee Geun-ho encouraged his players, saying, "You did so well today. I was moved watching the game. We're not out of the competition, and you played excellently."

Park Joo-ho added, "Even though there was a winner, the result didn't matter. Both teams deserve applause," as he acknowledged their efforts.

Meanwhile, the end of the broadcast teased the upcoming Group B preliminary rounds and the second match of the Korea-Japan series, heightening anticipation for the next episode. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)