In the lead-up to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Korea Republic’s all-time top scorer, Ji Soyun, spoke about her team’s hopes of progressing through the group stage for the second time in the country’s history. With over half the 23-player squad aged 30 or older, the experienced group knows that this may be their last chance to make a mark on the world stage.
Despite the pressure, Ji Soyun approaches the World Cup with a sense of responsibility. Having played for the national team since she was 15 years old, she wants to inspire younger players that they too can reach the World Cup: “That really means a lot to me,” she said.
Ji Soyun has dedicated more than half her life to the national cause and is heading to her third Women’s World Cup. She has experienced the highs of defeating Spain on the way to a Round of 16 finish at Canada 2015, as well as the lows of losing all three group stage matches four years ago in France. However, the appointment of English coach Colin Bell in late 2019, and a run to the final of last year’s AFC Asian Cup, where Ji finished as the tournament’s second-highest goalscorer, have given her confidence that the team is back on track.
“Our coach is very passionate about football; he has a real enthusiasm and coaches us not just to strengthen our physical condition but also our mental strength,” said Ji Soyun. “He makes us believe in ourselves and encourages us that we can achieve results.”
As the Taegeuk Ladies star heads towards the twilight of her career, she hopes to inspire the next generation of Korean players to achieve their dreams and reach the World Cup. For now, she and her experienced teammates are focused on making a mark at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Here are some possible FAQs related to the Korean women’s national football team:
Q: Who is the coach of the Korean women’s national football team?
A: The team is currently coached by Englishman Colin Bell.
Q: Who is the all-time leading scorer for the Korean women’s national football team?
A: Ji Soyun is the team’s all-time leading scorer.
Q: What is the team’s track record at the FIFA Women’s World Cup?
A: The team has made it to the World Cup several times in the past, including in 2015 and 2019, and has a history of making it to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Q: What is the team’s style of play?
A: The team is known for its disciplined and organized approach, with a focus on strong defending and quick counter-attacks.
Q: What is the team’s goal for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup?
A: The team’s goal is to make it out of the group stage and compete for a spot in the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Q: Who are some of the team’s key players?
A: In addition to Ji Soyun, some of the team’s other key players include Cho So-hyun, Lee Geum-min, and Kim Hyeri.
Here are some sources of information related to the Korean women’s national football team:
- FIFA Women’s World Cup website: The official website of the FIFA Women’s World Cup provides up-to-date news and information about all of the teams competing in the tournament, including the Korean women’s national football team.
- Korean Football Association website: The website of the Korean Football Association provides news, statistics, and other information about all of Korea’s national football teams, including the women’s team.
- Official social media accounts: The Korean women‘s national football team and its players have official social media accounts on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, where they share news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.
- News outlets: Sports news outlets such as ESPN, BBC Sport, and The Guardian often cover international women’s football, including news and analysis about the Korean women’s national football team.
- Player and coach interviews: Interviews with players and coaches of the Korean women’s national football team can provide insights into the team’s strategies, goals, and dynamics. These interviews may be available on the websites of news outlets or sports organizations, or on the team’s official social media accounts.