With their backs against the wall, the South Korean women’s soccer team will put up a fight against the world’s top-ranked team, Germany.안전놀이터
Head coach Colleen Bell’s side will face Germany at Brisbane Stadium in Queensland, Australia, at 7 p.m. ET on March 3 in their third Group H match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand 2023.
The mood in South Korea is subdued at the moment. They were brought to their knees by a 0-2 defeat in their first match against Colombia, which was considered a watershed moment in the Round of 16. They started the game lightly, but conceded an early penalty and a further goal through a mistake. It was a big blow for the team, which had been preparing for the game against Haiti as a “virtual Colombia,” and both the team and Bell had emphasized the importance of the game.
If the loss to Colombia was a disappointment, the loss to Morocco was a shock. After the draw, the general consensus was for a top-two finish. The favorites, Germany, ranked No. 2 in the FIFA rankings, were expected to lead the way, followed by No. 17 South Korea and No. 25 Colombia. Morocco, ranked 72nd and making its first World Cup appearance, was seen by many as a team that needed to take all three points.
That’s why no one was surprised when Morocco’s inexperience showed in their first game against Germany, which they lost 0-6. Coming off a loss to Colombia, South Korea was looking for a high-scoring win against Morocco, but they were lethargic. They were unable to recover from an early first-half concession. Instead, they gave Morocco their first goal and first win in Women’s World Cup history.
With an unexpected second straight loss, South Korea (0, -3) is at the bottom of the group. Colombia (6, +3) leads the way with two straight wins, followed by Germany (3, +5) and Morocco (3, -5).
South Korea’s chances of reaching the round of 16 remain slim. First, South Korea must beat Germany by five goals. Then, in the same time slot, Colombia will need to beat Morocco. That’s a tall order for a team that hasn’t scored a goal in two games and has also lost to Morocco, ranked 72nd in the FIFA rankings.
“Even if we had won the last two games, it would have been a difficult game against Germany,” Bell said at the official press conference a day before the game, making a “small” gesture with his finger.
“We need a 5-0 win, and that’s the only chance we have,” he said, “but we’ll never give up and we’ll fight to the end.” “Miracle is too big a word,” he said, adding, “In soccer, you have to make a good performance before you can talk about miracles.”
South Korea also lost to Morocco, who were making their first appearance at the World Cup, following a heavily-prepared match against Colombia. Photo: Korea Football Association
Goalless and winless, South Korea needs a good performance against Germany for its future. Photo by Yonhap
South Korea must fight for its pride before its fading Round of 16 hopes. With two consecutive defeats, South Korea are in danger of being eliminated from the group stage. Having been knocked out of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France after three games, the South Koreans are facing the possibility of a second consecutive disgrace. They need to prove that they have taken a step forward after four years of sweat.
“I feel like I’m back to where I was (four years ago),” said Ji So-yeon (Suwon FC) after the Morocco game, “and I feel very responsible because I want to help the younger players in the next World Cup.” Captain Kim Hye-ri (Incheon Hyundai Steel) also expressed her determination, saying, “We will definitely play the last game and return to Korea with a good result.”
Korea must also end its World Cup losing streak. South Korea has lost six consecutive matches since the 2015 World Cup in Canada, when it qualified for the tournament for the first time. A loss against Germany would extend that streak.
They also need to break out of their goal drought. South Korea has yet to score a goal in this tournament. In their last game against Morocco, they attempted 14 shots, none of which found the back of the net. In addition to South Korea, Haiti (53rd), Vietnam (32nd), and Panama (52nd) have not scored a goal so far. Haiti and Vietnam have completed their group stage schedules, while South Korea and Panama have one game remaining. Despite the large gap between the two countries in the FIFA rankings, the goalless reality is no different.
“We’re going to have at least one or two chances in tomorrow’s game,” Bell said. “Everyone is very proud to play for the national team, but you have to deal with the nerves and the pressure that comes with being on the international stage.” “We have to put the past behind us, the mistakes we made, and make sure we play to the best of our ability in the remaining games,” he said, adding, “We’re going to bring the best we’ve played in four years tomorrow.”