Korean women’s soccer veterans Ji So-yeon (Suwon FC) and Kim Hye-ri (Hyundai Steel) shared their impressions of facing European powerhouses at the World Cup.
The women’s national team, led by coach Colin Bell, lost to England (0-4) and Belgium (1-2) in the Arnold Clark Cup, a friendly competition between four countries (Korea, England, Belgium, and Italy) hosted by the England Football Association.
Ji So-yeon told the Korea Football Association (KFA) on the 22nd, “It’s a process for the World Cup. We struggled against European players in the off-season, but during the season. There were parts that we gained through difficult games. Quick offense and defense conversion, physical, and fighting spirit. You have to learn,” he said.
After missing the first game against England due to an injury, Ji So-yeon played full-time against Belgium. He said, “Currently, I am not in 100% physical condition, but I am recovering. It has been two weeks since I returned and worked out. My physical strength is burdened, but I will improve through training and games.” 메이저사이트
Participation in this competition is a mock test in preparation for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July. Ji So-yeon also said, “The Arnold Clark Cup is like a ‘vaccination’ for our national team.”
Veteran defender Kim Hye-ri emphasized the points the national team needs to improve through this tournament. “The European team was better than expected not only physically, but also in strength and speed. We need to supplement our physical strength with high-intensity training,” she emphasized.
The national team will play the final match against Italy on the 23rd at 1:45 am in Bristol, England. Kim Hye-ri said, “We prepare for the World Cup, and matches with strong teams are an opportunity for us. The World Cup has to produce results. I want to produce results without remaining in the process.”