Pyongyang: Off the pitch, Wi Jong-sim appears somewhat reserved, but on it, the combative midfielder personifies the brand of football now synonymous with DPR Korea.
Disciplined, technically-gifted, efficient and industrious, Wi is fast emerging as a central figure in DPR Korea’s charge to secure their berth at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018.
With DPR Korea currently leading the way in Group B, the 4.25 SC player is now confident of leading the three-time AFC Women’s Asian Cup winners to victory against one of their fiercest rivals, Korea Republic, in Friday's historic qualifier in Pyongyang.
“Yes, Korea Republic are a good team. But I have faith in my teammates and our head coach’s tactics. I am confident we can get the result and performance,” said Wi who played a key role in DPR Korea’s FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 title victory and also featured at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2014.
“We have been preparing for this match since we knew the results of the draw. We believe that we deserve to be in the finals of the Women’s Asian Cup and we know that victory on Friday will almost guarantee us a place in Jordan.”
In a recent poll conducted by the local media in DPR Korea, Wi ranked first as the player most likely to make an impact in the qualifiers, a point reiterated by coach Kim Kwang-min during the press conference after the host’s 8-0 win over India, where the 19-year grabbed two well-taken goals. Yet despite the lavish praise, Wi believes that the best is yet to come from both herself and her teammates.
“I do not believe that we are playing at our best just yet. We are doing well, but there is plenty of room for improvement. Personally, I believe that I have not been at my optimum but rest assured, we will be at our best against Korea Republic,” she stressed in an exclusive interview with the the-AFC.com.
“There is so much at stake here. We are playing at home and there has been so much invested in this team. We have received strong support from the DPR Korea FA so there are high expectations on us to do well. We want to do our best and repay the faith and support given to us.”
Determined and focused best describes the atmosphere in Pyongyang, but Wi managed a smile as she pondered the intense rivalry between the two East Asian giants. “Yes, there is no doubt we want to win against one of our biggest rivals, but win or lose we respect all the teams here.
“These high intensity matches are meant to make us better and help prepare us against stronger opponents in the future.”
Photo: DPR Korea Football Association
Source: the-afc.com