by Genevieve Henry (17/7/23)
Above: South Korea celebrate after reaching the Asian Women’s Cup Final last year. Photo: KFA.
South Korea have a group of talented, cohesive, and passionate players who will aim to make their mark on the world stage after a decent run of form that saw them finish second in the 2022 Asian Cup. This team is packed with potential and power.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Kim Jung-Mi (Incheon Hyundai SRA), Ji-Soo Ryu (Seoul WFC), Yoon Young-Guel (BK Häcken).
Defenders: Kim Hyeri (Hyundai Steel Red Angels), Shim Seo-yeon (Suwon FC), Lee Youngju (Madrid CFF), Lim Seonjoo (Hyundai Steel Red Angels), Jang Selfi (Hyundai Steel Red Angels), Choo Hyojoo (Suwon FC), Hong Hyeji (Hyundai Steel Red Angels).
Midfielders: Kim Yun-Ji (Suwon UDC), Bae Ye-Bin (Uiduk University), Lee Geummin (Brighton), Jeoun Eun-Ha (Suwon UDC), Cho Sohyun (Tottenham), Ji Soyun (Suwon UDC), Chun Ga-Ram (Hwacheon KSPO).
Forwards: Kang Chaerim (Incheon Hyundai SRA), Moon Mira (Suwon UDC), Park Eun-Sun (Seoul WFC), Son Hwayeon (Incheon Hyundai SRA), Choe Yu-Ri (Incheon Hyundai SRA), Phair Casey Yu-Jin (Players Development Academy).
Head Coach
Under the leadership of Colin Bell, South Korea has excelled and achieved more than previously in their history. He became the first coach to lead the South Korean Women to an Asian Cup final. Bell has been coaching since 1989, leading a plethora of teams all over the world which has seen him lead the Republic of Ireland women’s national side from 2017-2019, nine clubs in Germany, and two in Norway. This experience he brings has clearly helped South Korea to punch above their weight since 2019 when he was appointed.
World Cup History
This will be South Korea’s fourth World Cup having previously qualified in 2003, 2015, and 2019. They qualified for their maiden tournament in the USA after finishing third in the Asian Women’s Cup of the same year and suffered three defeats at the group stage – 3-0 to Brazil, 1-0 to France, and 7-1 to Norway with Kim Jin-hee scoring their historic first ever goal.
After a break of 12 years, the Tigers of Asia returned and made it to the round of 16 in Canada after a 2-0 defeat to Brazil, a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica, and a 2-1 win over Spain. This set up a meeting with France at the second stage, where they went down 3-0.
Last time round in France, South Korea finished bottom of their group after defeats to France (4-0), Nigeria (2-0), and Norway (2-1).
How they qualified
South Korea made it through to Australia and New Zealand after finishing as runners-up in the Asian Women’s Cup to China at the start of 2022.
Strengths
They excel in midfield, where they have many players gaining experience internationally. South Korea’s midfield is teeming with creative workhorses who help to link up the defence and offence.
Development Areas
South Korea has a tendency to be a low-scoring team. Although they can generally score when it matters, they don’t crush teams even when it should be an easy victory.
Key Players
Ji So-yun is one to keep an eye on. She has 144 caps and 66 goals for her country. Although she currently plays for WK League club Suwon FC, Ji became recognized during her eight years at Chelsea. There, she was known as one of the best midfielders in the world, constantly accruing praise and honours. Ji is a creative machine and will surely play a huge part in South Korea’s World Cup run this summer.
Lim Seon-Joo, the Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels defender has appeared 103 times for South Korea, making her presence absolutely vital for the defence. Lim will lead her country from the back with her commanding leadership and experience.
Kim Jung-Mi. The goalkeeper has appeared a whopping 135 times for her country. Kim plies her trade at Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels with many of her national teammates. This connection means many of the team already have chemistry.
One to watch
A young player to keep an eye on is Uiduk University midfielder Bae Ye-Bin. Her youthful energy and need to prove herself could add an extra spice to the South Korean attack. Bae has two appearances for her country and will hope to get a few more under her belt this summer in Australia and New Zealand.
Success would be
If South Korea can get a win in a knockout round, that would be a solid outcome for this Asian side.
Prediction
The Round of Sixteen is achievable for this experienced side. They are in one of the easier groups and could clinch second place to move on.
Group H Fixtures
25th July – Colombia, Sydney Football Stadium.
30th July – Morocco, Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide.
3rd August – Germany, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
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