Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Pyongyang: An inspired second half performance from Korea Republic ensured a comfortable 6-0 win over Hong Kong on Sunday, as Yoon Deok-yeo’s charges leapfrogged Uzbekistan to go second in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asia Cup Jordan 2018 qualifiers.
The Taegeuk Ladies’ victory sets up a fascinating contest against Uzbekistan in their final match, when a win by two clear goals would see them beat current table-toppers DPR Korea – who have played all four of their games - to top spot and guarantee themselves a ticket to Jordan 2018.
In what was to be a nervy first half display by Korea Republic, Jo Su-yun was first to test a resolute Hong Kong defence, the talented Chelsea striker fizzing a decent 14th minute effort just wide of the target.
Korea Republic came close again ten minutes later, this time Seo Hyung-sook firing in a shot from distance that went inches wide of Leung Wai Nga’s goal.
With their frustration clearly growing, Lady Luck was to smile on Korea Republic in the 44th minute when Kwok Ching Man was adjudged to have handled a Ji So-yun shot in the Hong Kong penalty area. Captain Cho So-yun duly made no mistake from the spot to hand her side a narrow but vital lead going into the break.
No doubt buoyed by head coach Yoon Deok-yeo’s half-time pep talk, the Taegeuk Ladies continued to press forward in the second period’s opening moments, Ji So-yun missing a sitter from just five yards out as Leung reacted smartly to palm away her shot and deny Korea Republic a second.
Leung was called into action once again moments later, when she leapt to safely collect a goalmouth scramble that, once again, left Korea Republic rueing their inability to find the net.
Salvation was to come in the shape of Yoo Young-a in the 63rd minute though, the substitute stepping up to deliver a sublime clip over custodian Leung to double her side’s slender advantage.
Seven minutes later, Korea Republic were awarded another penalty after Cheung Wai Ki brought down Kang Yumi in the box. A calm and collected Cho So-yun converted once again past Leung’s despairing dive.
Four minutes later, it was four, Kwon Eunsom drilling home a powerful drive from outside the box after some fine approach play.
Lee Geummin then added Korea Republic’s fifth in the 83rd minute, before, with two minutes remaining, Jang Selgi registered a sixth for Korea Republic courtesy of a looping finish that put the cap on a near flawless second half performance by Korea Republic.
Hong Kong Head Coach Chan Shuk Chi:
"Today was a difficult match, as we know that Korea Republic wanted to score as many as possible. But this was a big improvement from our last game against Korea Republic. I think we played especially well in the first-half, but I think that our physical level dropped in the second-half and that resulted in the players losing their concentration. This is our third game and it proved to create an impact on the players."
Korea Republic Head Coach Yoon Deok-yeo:
"It was a really tough match today and we didn't play our normal game. I told the players during the break that Hong Kong will struggle in the second-half. We have played them before and we know that physically they will tire and true enough, we played much better, but we need to improve againsts Uzbekistan."
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