In the second half, they pushed hard but ultimately could not break through Colombia's goal. The South Korean women's soccer team failed once again to overcome Colombia's wall.
Under the leadership of head coach Shin Sang-woo, the South Korean women's national soccer team lost to Colombia 0-1 in the first match of the Coupang Play invitation friendly match held at Incheon Namdong Rugby Stadium on the afternoon of the 30th. The second match between the two teams will be held at Yongin Mir Stadium on the 2nd of next month.
As a result, Shin Sang-woo's team suffered a defeat in their first domestic assessment match. Although it was somewhat experimental, incorporating several young talent based on a three-back formation, it left a sense of regret for failing to deliver results. Most notably, it is pointed out that they have gone scoreless in three consecutive matches following two matches against Australia in April.
Korea operated in a 3-4-3 formation. It was a surprising three-back setup. Park Soo-jung, Ji So-yeon, Moon Eun-joo, Lee Young-joo, Kim Shin-ji, Jang Seul-ki, Kim Hye-ri, Lim Sun-joo, Ko Yu-jin, Shin Na-young, and Kim Min-jung were the starters. Born in 2004, Park Soo-jung made her debut in the national team and immediately played in her first A match.
Colombia opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Maria Alvarez, Dainehla Arias, Manuela Fabi, Mayra Ramirez, Catalina Usme, Ilana Izquierdo, Carolina Arias, Linda Caicedo, Ileidis Minota, Liseth Cerna, and Katherine Tapia were the first to take the field.
Korea overcame a crisis. In the 14th minute of the first half, Ramirez won a physical battle and made a pass, while Caicedo slipped behind the defensive line and initially shook the net. It seemed that Caicedo was going to strike Korea again, just like in the group stage of the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand two years ago. However, the goal was canceled due to an offside call.
Nevertheless, the first goal belonged to Colombia. The Korean defense gave away a free-kick opportunity right in front of the box in the 27th minute of the first half. Captain Usme stepped up as the kicker and scored with a fantastic left-footed curling shot. The ball went over the defensive wall and hit the left goalpost before entering the net.
Goalkeeper Kim Min-jung did not allow an additional goal. In the 32nd minute of the first half, Ramirez skillfully hit Shin Na-young's left arm with the ball, prompting a penalty kick. However, Usme's kick as the kicker was perfectly read and saved by Kim Min-jung.
Both teams exchanged shots. In the 42nd minute of the first half, Caicedo had a crucial opportunity from the right side of the box, but her shot went wide, making it easy for the goalkeeper to catch. In stoppage time, Korea intercepted the ball with forward pressing and active competition, but Jang Seul-ki's right-footed curling shot went high. The first half ended with Colombia leading 1-0.
Coach Shin Sang-woo sought an equalizer by introducing Lee Geum-min and Kang Chae-rim immediately at the start of the second half. As the match did not unfold as hoped, he brought out the pairs of Yoo Eun-young and Casey Eugene, and Kim Jin-hee in the middle of the second half. Korea attempted to take the lead compared to the first half, aiming for Colombia's goal, but struggled to create decisive opportunities.
Korea swallowed their disappointment. In the 30th minute of the second half, Ko Yu-jin connected with a powerful header from a corner kick delivered from the left. However, the goalkeeper dived and cleared it with her hands just above the goal line.
Korea continued to apply pressure, while Colombia focused on defending. In the 36th minute of the second half, Jang Seul-ki broke through on the left side of the box and delivered a cutback. However, Kang Chae-rim's shot went wide.
Seven minutes of stoppage time were given in the second half. Korea relied on Ko Yu-jin's height to seek a tying goal until the end, but they fell short of fulfilling their hopes. The match ended in a victory for Colombia by a single goal.
[OSEN]