According to Nielsen Korea, the episode of 'Kick a Goal' aired on the 26th recorded a household rating of 5.3% in the metropolitan area, securing the top spot among Wednesday shows. The show also achieved a 2049 target audience rating of 1.8%, with peak ratings soaring to 7.1%.
In this episode, 'FC National Family' and 'FC Actionista' faced off in a high-stakes match to secure a direct ticket to the semifinals. Both teams, considered strong contenders for the championship this season, engaged in an intense battle from the start. Emerging stars Park Ha-yan of 'National Family' and Park Ji-an of 'Actionista' were positioned at the center line, fiercely competing to gain control of the ball. As the saying goes, it was a "battle of offense and defense," with National Family launching relentless attacks and Actionista countering with strategic defense.
The first goal came from an unexpected player. Park Ha-na of 'Actionista' calmly handled a loose ball early in the first half, scoring her first goal in 560 days. Park Ha-na expressed her joy, saying, "It's been so long since I scored that I got emotional. It's a feeling that doesn't come often, even in acting." However, Actionista's momentum was short-lived as they soon conceded an equalizer. A powerful left-footed shot by Kim Min-ji of 'National Family' deflected off defender Park Ji-an and went straight into the goal. Park Ji-an couldn't hide her disappointment at the unexpected turn of events.
A major crisis then hit 'National Family' when goalkeeper Kim Soo-yeon was sent off for three minutes due to a handball foul outside the penalty box. Former handball player Park Ha-yan stepped in to guard the goal, declaring, "I'm not afraid of the ball." She immediately showcased her agility and defensive skills, thwarting Actionista's aggressive attacks. Despite their numerical advantage, Actionista failed to score again, and the first half ended in a 1-1 draw.
Early in the second half, handball fouls from both teams led to two penalty kick situations. 'National Family' was the first to capitalize, with Park Ha-yan scoring a composed shot between the goalkeeper's legs to take the lead. Shortly after, 'National Family' defender Hwang Hee-jung inadvertently used her hand during a scramble in front of the goal, giving Actionista a penalty kick. Park Ji-an successfully converted it, leveling the score at 2-2.
The tightly contested match couldn't be decided in regular time, ending 2-2 and leading to a penalty shootout. Both teams displayed championship-level focus, but thanks to a series of saves by 'National Family' goalkeeper Kim Soo-yeon, 'National Family' ultimately secured the victory. After a 15-month losing streak, 'National Family' completed the season undefeated, claiming the top spot in Group A and marking the beginning of a remarkable turnaround. Meanwhile, 'Actionista' finished second in Group A and will face the third-place team from Group B for a spot in the semifinals.
After the match, Park Joo-ho commented, "Even though there was a winner, it felt like the result didn't matter in such a great game," encouraging both teams.
At the end of the broadcast, a preview hinted at a rematch between national teams in a Korea-Japan showdown and the return of Group B matches with the highest level of play yet, generating anticipation. 'Kick a Goal' airs every Wednesday at 9 PM.
Reporter Kang Sun-ae sakang@sbs.co.kr
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)