On the Sept. 24 episode of SBS’s "Kick a Goal", the fourth match of the GIFA Cup brings two K-pop all-star squads ― FC Balladream and FC Top Girl ― into a no-holds-barred battle for the final ticket to the Round of 6.
With seniors and juniors from the music scene on opposing sides, bragging rights are very much on the line. A Balladream player vowed, “If Top Girl grits their teeth and takes two or three extra steps, we’re ready to dig in and take five or six.” It’s the teams’ first meeting in roughly two years since the inaugural SBS Cup, and their head-to-head sits at one win apiece ― setting the stage for a fresh chapter in their on-field rivalry.
This GIFA Cup also marks the return of coach Choi Sung-yong to FC Top Girl after about three years, setting up a “Choi Sung-yong Derby” against his former side. Balladream, cut after the third Challenge League, famously roared back under Choi to win the first SBS Cup ― and now finds him across the touchline. Choi previously led Top Girl to the Super League with an undefeated three-game run in the first Challenge League, fueling high expectations once again. Balladream fired back with a warning to their ex-mentor: “We’re not the Balladream you used to know. Get ready to be surprised.” Which of Choi’s former pupils will claim the win?
On the other bench, Balladream coach Hyun Young-min says he’ll double down on attack-minded football, drawing on a G League run where his squad toppled finalists. He’s banking on an upgraded passing game from his playmaking duo, plus inventive set pieces and bold in-game calls to dictate the tempo. Can Hyun’s aggressive approach punch Balladream’s ticket to the last six?
FC Top Girl vs. FC Balladream kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9 p.m. KST on SBS’s "Kick a Goal".
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)