The secret to the Korean women's football team's reclaiming the title of 'East Asia's strongest' after 20 years was the principle of scoring multiple goals in a triangular matchup.
The South Korean women's national football team, led by head coach Shin Sang-woo, defeated Taiwan 2-0 in the third match of the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship (East Asian Cup) held at Suwon World Cup Stadium on the 16th at 7:30 p.m. With this victory, Korea rose to the top of the tournament. Korea achieved 1 win, 2 draws, and 6 points, tying with Japan and China, but claimed the championship trophy due to the highest number of goals scored in the triangular match-ups.
Korean women's football legend Ji So-yeon also captured her first major tournament trophy. She had reached the finals for the first time in the 2022 Asian Cup but had to swallow her disappointment after losing 2-3 to China. However, in this tournament, she emerged as a key player, scoring a dramatic equalizer against China and then the winning goal against Taiwan.
Korea, which had always won when scoring first, surged aggressively from the start but found it difficult to score. Finally, the long-awaited opening goal came. In the 68th minute of the second half, Kang Chae-rim was fouled inside the box, winning a precious penalty kick. The 'big sister' Ji So-yeon confidently converted it, making it 1-0.
Korea scored a crucial second goal. In the 85th minute of the second half, Kim Hye-ri made a run down the right side and delivered a cutback pass into the box. Jang Seul-gi connected with it for a precise non-stop shot that found the back of the net. With that, Shin Sang-woo's squad secured a definitive 2-0 victory and confirmed its status as champions of the tournament.
Until the final match, Korea's winning chances were uncertain. Although they recorded consecutive draws against China and Japan in two matches, if anyone won in the earlier match, it would automatically secure 7 points for the winner. Fortunately for Shin Sang-woo's team, Japan and China ended in a 0-0 draw.
In the first match, Shin Sang-woo's team drew 2-2 against China and also finished 1-1 with Japan. They managed to earn points in both matches due to last-minute equalizers from Ji So-yeon and Jung Da-bin. Then, by defeating Taiwan in the final match, Korea succeeded in turning their unwavering determination into the fruit of victory.
Excluding Taiwan, in the matches against the three teams that were tied on points, Korea scored 3 goals, China scored 2 goals, and Japan scored 1 goal. Therefore, under the principle prioritizing scoring in the matches among the three teams with equal points, Korea's championship was confirmed. In a way, this title was achieved thanks to their determination not to give up until the very end in both the matches against China and Taiwan.
Ji So-yeon, including this match, has recorded 169 matches and 74 goals, establishing herself as a living legend of Korean women's football. And she has fulfilled her dream by finally securing the trophy, which was the last puzzle piece. After the match, Ji So-yeon told Coupang Play in a broadcast interview, "It took far too long. It took too long to win. It took 20 years. I'm so happy. I feel like I have endured until now to win here at home."
Ji So-yeon said, "I couldn't help but pay attention. We said we should focus on our game, but everyone was watching or checking the match. Fortunately, the previous match ended the way we wanted. I'm happy we could win in a dramatic turnaround at the end and take the championship," adding, "As long as veteran players keep holding out, I think if the younger players are inspired and grow, we will create a better team."
Holding aloft her first national team championship trophy, Ji So-yeon expressed, "I thank the fans who came to the stadium despite the heavy rain. I'm also very grateful to the fans who cheered for us from home."
[Photo] Provided by Korea Football Association.
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