Korea's women's football team secured a valuable draw against China, thanks to Ji So-yeon's dramatic equalizer.
The South Korean women's national football team, led by head coach Shin Sang-woo, drew 2-2 with China in the first match of the 2025 East Asian Cup held at Suwon World Cup Stadium on the 9th. Thus, Korea earned 1 point, placing them second after Japan, who defeated Taiwan (3 points).
Korea allowed the opening goal to Yao Wei in the 15th minute of the first half, but just before halftime, Jang Seul-ki converted Moon Eun-joo's cross to level the score. In the 67th minute, they again fell behind after conceding a goal to Xiao Ziqin, but just before the end of the match, Ji So-yeon scored a long-range shot to finish the match level.
Korea maintained an aggressive attack throughout the second half, aiming for the equalizer, and finally produced a valuable goal just before the end.
After the match, Ji So-yeon, who was interviewed by the broadcasting company, noted, "The summer in Korea is extremely hot. Since we are playing in Korea against a strong team like China, there were shortcomings with the young players, but I think it is encouraging that we did not lose."
This Shin Sang-woo generation has many new faces. Ji So-yeon stated, "More than half of the 26-player squad consists of young players. I tried to act as a bridge for the players in their mid-20s and the younger players, but I'm not sure if I did it well."
Ji So-yeon said, "The starting lineup has changed quite a bit. Some players were unable to play due to injuries, but the players who stepped in did a great job. I'm happy that we did not lose to China."
[OSEN]