"Hyo-joo set it up well, and Da-bin was in a good position."
The South Korea women's national soccer team, led by head coach Shin Sang-woo, drew 1-1 against Japan in the second match of the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship, held at 8 p.m. on the 13th at the Hwaseong Sports Complex in Gyeonggi Province. Following another draw after the first match against China, Korea is in third place with 2 points.
Korea positioned Kim Min-ji and Ji So-yeon as forwards, with Lee Geum-min and Jung Min-young in the midfield. Moon Eun-joo and Kang Chae-rim covered the flanks, while the defense line consisted of Jang Seul-gi, Noh Jin-young, Go Yoo-jin, and Kim Hye-ri, with Kim Min-jung as the goalkeeper.
From the beginning, Korea took control with high pressing and short passes, creating several opportunities, but finishing was disappointing. In the 37th minute of the first half, they conceded the opening goal to Narumiya Yui of Japan, finishing the first half 0-1.
In the second half, Korea maintained the momentum. In the 41st minute, Moon Eun-joo's cross was finished by Jeong Da-bin, creating a dramatic equalizer. Afterward, Korea prevented further scoring thanks to a save by Kim Min-jung, ending the match without a winner against Japan.
After the match, Moon Eun-joo conducted an official interview with the broadcasting station. She noted, "I was very disappointed to miss the goal chance," but added, "Fortunately, Da-bin scored, and we managed to draw. I want to win the next match."
Regarding the goal scene, Moon Eun-joo mentioned, "Hyo-joo set it up well, and Da-bin was in a good position. That's how the goal was scored. I think Da-bin did well."
Korea will face Taiwan in the final match of the tournament on the 16th. Moon Eun-joo stated, "If we rest well and prepare well over the next two days, I believe we can win if we perform as prepared."
[OSEN]