Nanjing: Korea Republic have given themselves no margin for error if they are to keep alive their streak of U-20 Women’s World Cup appearances, and the first step on the road to recovery is a win against Vietnam on Thursday.
Not since 2008 has there been a global U-20 championship without the Koreans, and despite their loss against Australia, the current generation showed they too have quality.
Kim So-eun, Sim Seo-hui and Kang Chae-rim all showed their bountiful talent, but a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping prevented them from taking advantage as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat.
Vietnam were outclassed by Japan, but never gave up the fight in a game which head coach Vu Ba Dong believes will be a significant aid to their development as players.
The sides have met three times in previous editions of the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship, with Korea Republic prevailing by a three-goal margin on each occasion.
Vietnam v Korea Republic: AFC U-19 Women’s Championship Head to Head
Year Result Stage Venue 2004 Korea Republic 3-0 Vietnam Quater-final Suzihou, China 2009 Korea Republic 3-0 Vietnam Group Stage Wuhan, CHina 2011 Korea Republic 4-1 Vietnam Round Robin Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com