In Anyang, south of Seoul, Breno Herculano’s return from a thigh injury carried the weight of more than one milestone. The Brazilian forward scored FC Anyang’s second goal in a 2-1 home victory over Ulsan Hyundai on Saturday, converting a penalty he had won himself in what was also his 150th professional appearance.
For Herculano, a native of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim in Espírito Santo, the afternoon marked a welcome way back into the side after his lay-off. Alongside football, he is studying Physical Education, but his immediate focus is helping Anyang recover ground during the closing stretch of the K-League’s first phase.
There was an unusual layer to his penalty, too. Ulsan’s goalkeeper was Jo Hyeon-woo, South Korea’s international keeper whose performance in the country’s 2-0 win over Germany at the 2018 World Cup helped eliminate the reigning champions in the group stage. Jo was named player of the match on that famous day in Russia.
“I am very pleased with the win,” Herculano said. “We needed a result like this against a strong opponent, especially taking three points at home. It also means a great deal to return, score and help the team win. He is truly a legend in Korea. I remember the Germany match well, and now I can say I managed something the Germans could not.”
Anyang’s route through the K-League
The result took Anyang to 38 points and seventh place in the 12-team K-League. The competition splits after its opening phase: the top six enter the championship playoff, while the bottom six move into the relegation section. Anyang are presently first among the sides bound for the latter group, just outside the title playoff places.
Herculano believes the win over Ulsan can alter the mood after a frustrating run without victories. “We went through a difficult spell and dropped behind because we could not win,” he said. “This result can give us confidence for the final part of the first phase. We have to keep chasing wins and see where that takes us. Our target is the title playoff, and we will pursue it until the end.”
Having joined Anyang this season, the 26-year-old now has three goals and three assists in 19 appearances for the Korean club. His latest contribution arrived at a useful moment: a personal landmark, a successful return, and a small but meaningful lift for a team still looking upward in the table.
