Nanjing: A win against Japan will send Korea Republic into the semi-finals, and keep alive their hopes of a fifth consecutive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup appearance, something coach Jong Song-chon considers a crucial part of their development.
Speaking ahead of the Koreans’ meeting with the five-time champions – who have provided the best football of the tournament so far - Jong emphasised the significance of another trip to the global finals.
“On Thursday (our senior national team) had a friendly with match with the USA,” said the 2013 AFC U-19 Championship-winning mentor.
“Most of the players in that team have played in the U-20 national team, and they have experienced the World Cup.
“In 2016, there was an U-20 World Cup in Papua New Guinea, and three of those players are in the national team now, so it’s very important to experience the World Cup and qualify so that they can develop to the best level.
“It is very important for all of our players to experience the match against Japan, the semi-final, the final – they are all Important, because (the players) are in a very important stage of their development process.”
The senior Korean national team lost 3-1 to the world champion Americans, but their goal was scored on debut by 2016 U-20 Women’s World Cup graduate, underlining Jong’s point.
With head-to-head records acting as a tie-breaker for teams level on points in the group stage, Japan’s 5-1 win against the Australia means Korea Republic will advance if they beat their neighbours, but Jong said Thursday’s match between his Group B rivals didn’t have any impact on his disposition.
“The head coach should be confident all the time, that way I can convey my message to the players,” he said.
“Of course I saw the match between Australia and Japan. Team Australia has very good strengths and they are good physically, and I also analysed Team Japan’s playing style – and I am very aware of that.
“We will have a meeting, we will emphasise our chances and we will use our players properly to get our best result.”
One development which will have done the coach’s mood no harm was the stunning return to form of striker Kim So-eun (pictured below, right), who recovered from a profligate opening match against Australia to bury a hat-trick in the 5-0 win over Vietnam.
“I was so sorry for the team that I missed so many chances in the previous match, so I really did my best. I still missed some, but I did well,” said a relieved Kim, who is confident of a repeat performance against the red-hot Young Nadeshiko.
“I am confident we can win against Japan. I will be prepared for it, and I will do my best,” she said.
Japan were wonderful against Australia, scoring five second-half goals to secure an excellent 5-1 win after trailing at half-time.
Riko Ueki’s name didn’t feature on the score sheet, but she had a hand in just about everything else, laying on three of Japan’s goals to make it six assists in two matches – in addition to a goal of her own against Vietnam – and her head coach sung her praises after the match.
“She always, always gives her best. She is that kind of player,” said Japanese boss Futoshi Ikeda.
“You can see she is a very hard working player. I hope she continues to develop further and further in this tournament.
Japan’s bursts after half-time have been the story of each of their opening two matches, with the nine of their 13 goals between the 50th and 75th minutes.
Korea Republic have only won once in seven attempts against Japan at the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship, but their sole win – a 2-0 success in 2013 – came on the road to their second Asian title, and in the same venue as Sunday’s impending fixture.
Japan v Korea Republic – AFC U-19 Women’s Championship Head to Head
Year
Result
Stage
Venue
2002
Japan 7 Korea Republic 0
Group stage
Goa, India
2006
Japan 2 Korea Republic 1
Group stage
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2007
Japan 0 Korea Republic 0 (6-5p)
Semi final
Chongqing, China
2009
Japan 2 Korea Republic 1
Final
Wuhan, China
2011
Japan 3 Korea Republic 1
Round Robin
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2013
Korea Republic 2 Japan 0
Round Robin
Nanjing, China
2015
Japan 1 Korea Republic 0
Semi final
Nanjing, China
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com