FIFA U-17 WOMEN&039;S WORLD CUP – KOREA REPUBLIC SURGE INTO THE LAST EIGHT

AUCKLAND – Korea Republic qualified for the quarter-finals with a mesmerising 3-0 victory over England that captivated an enthralled North Harbour Stadium crowd tonight. The win gives Korea Republic top spot in Group D and hands England a difficult quarter-final match-up with the impressive Japan.

It looked like Korea Republic’s night as early as the eighth minute when Ji So Yun rifled home a superb goal amid scenes of delirium on the Korea bench. Korea dominated the opening exchanges with Min Sun Lee giving the England defence headaches with her silky skill and pace.

Korea doubled their lead thanks to a powerful Kyung Yeon Koh header from a Lee Hyun Young corner. England goalkeeper Lauren Davey barely had time to react such was the ferocity of Koh’s header. With Korea two goals to the good, England found extra space in midfield with Isobel Christiansen left foot shot going close and an audacious long range effort by England captain Jordan Nobbs landing on the roof of the Korea Republic net on 21 minutes.

England’s Lucia Bronze and Jodie Jacobs saved their team further damage on 37 minutes when they combined to halt a mazy solo run by Min Sun Lee. Lee evaded several challenges until the inspirational Jacobs slid in bravely to deny Korea opportunity for a third goal.

A fluid Korea continued to exploit England’s more structured approach and nearly went three up on 51 minutes when the effervescent Min Sun Lee latched onto a skidding ball and fired a snapshot into the crossbar. England struggled to stay in the match and Jacobs was hero once more when her well-timed tackle on Hyun Young Lee prevented another goal scoring opportunity.

England’s dependence on Lauren Bruton as an attacking option was again to the fore on 63 minutes when the pacy wide midfielder made a fast break down the left before hitting a sweetly timed cross into the Korea penalty area only for skipper Jordan Nobbs to fire well over.

Gemma Bonner headed over for England on 68 minutes after another move fashioned by Bruton and substitute Lucy Staniforth had left the Korea defence opened up. A minute later Danielle Carter – who appeared to have her arm grabbed by a Korean defender – saw her shot saved at the near post by Hyo Ju Lee.

Moments later Korea went three nil up when Song Ari headed home Shin Mi Na’s expertly delivered free-kick at the far post with Danielle Carter and Lauren Davey helpless. With Korea ascending into top spot in the group on goal difference, England launched a forlorn bid to retrieve top billing on 80 minutes when Lauren Hyu Ju Lee dropped an England corner only for Staniforth’s goal-bound bicycle kick to be cleared off the line by Hyun Sook Seo. 

England’s last meaningful opportunity arrived on 85 minutes when a penetrating run and cross by Bruton sped invitingly across the face of the Korea penalty area before it was cleared by a desperate defence. There was just enough time for Korea to create one more chance but Davey saved from Hyun Young Lee with seconds remaining.

England coach Lois Ridler complimented her team on their achievement of qualifying for the quarter-finals but admitted defeat and a match with Japan was a tough prospect.

“Obviously it’s a bit of a bittersweet pill for us to swallow tonight, but first and foremost I have to congratulate the players for qualifying.

Football’s all about getting the points you need and we got the wins under our belt in the first two matches,” Ridler said.

Korea coach Kim Yong-Ho was bullish in his assessment of the match.

“England’s defence is very strong but I noticed that they seemed a bit slow, so I ordered my team to attack them with speed on the wings.

That’s why we scored a lot of goals today. We tried out some new players in this game and they did very well, so they may keep their places for the quarter-final,” Yong-Ho said.

Korea Republic now face USA while England meet Japan with both matches scheduled for Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, on Sunday 9 November.

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup – New Zealand 2008

Korea Republic (2) 3 (10. JI So Yun 8’, 20. KOH Kyung Yeon 16’, 5. SONG Ari 71’)

North Harbour Stadium

Attendance: 3920

ENG: 1. Lauren DAVEY [gk]; 3. Naomi CHADWICK, 5. Jodie JACOBS, 6. Gemma BONNER, 7. Rebecca JANE , 8. Jordan NOBBS ©, 9. Danielle CARTER (19. Paige ELI 90’+5), 10. Isobel CHRISTIANSEN, 12. Lucia BRONZE, 16. Lauren BRUTON, 17. Sarah WILTSHIRE (11. Lucy STANIFORTH 66’).

Substitutes Not Used: 2. Rachel DALY, 13. Amy CARR [rgk], 14. Stephanie MARSH, 15. Jemma ROSE, 18. Rachel PITMAN, 20. Kirsty LINNETT, 21. Juliana DRAYCOTT [rgk].

Yellow cards: 5. Jodie JACOBS 89’.

Red cards: None.

Coach: Lois RIDLER (ENG)

KOR: 1. LEE Hyo Ju [gk]; 2. SEO Hyun Sook, 3. LEE Eun Kyung, 4. OH Hye Jin, 5. SONG Ari (11. PARK Hee Young 75’), 8. SHIN Mi Na (C), 9. LEE Hyun Young, 10. JI So Yun, 15. OH Yu Sun, 18. LEE Min Sun (14. CHO Sun Hwa 81’(12. JEOUN Eun Ha 90’), 20. KOH Kyung Yeon. 

Substitutes Not Used: 6. LEE Young Ju, 7. MOK Hyun Su, , 13. LEE Han Na [rgk], , 16. OH Hye Mi, 17. LEE Mi Na, 19. KIM Jung In, 21. JUNG Bo Ram [rgk].

Yellow Cards: None.

Red Cards: None.

Coach: KIM Yong Ho (KOR)

Referee: Damgoua NEGUEL (CMR)

Assistant Referee 1: Lidwine RAKOTOZAFINORO (MAD)

Assistant Referee 2: Ell DE VRIES (BEL)

4th official: Pannipar KAMNUENG (THA)

Group D

Final Standings – 05.11.08