The women's national soccer team on July 16 claimed the East Asian Football Federation E-1 Football Championship with a 2-0 win over Taiwan at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do Province. Shown is the squad posing in a group photo with the winner's trophy. (Yonhap News)
By Lee Jihae
The women's national soccer team has won the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship for the first time in 20 years.
Head coach Shin Sang-woo on July 16 led the Taegeuk Ladies to the title in their final game of the tournament. Korea's 2-0 victory over Taiwan was held at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do Province.
The tight game remained scoreless until the 70th minute, when Taiwanese defender Chen Jin-Wen grabbed forward Kang Chaerim in the penalty box and was called for a foul. Veteran midfielder Ji Soyon scored on the penalty kick with a shot to the left side of the net to give Korea the lead.
Defender Jang Selgi added an insurance goal in the 85th minute, blasting the ball toward the top of the goal thanks to a center pass from fellow defender Kim Hyeri.
Winning its first EAFF title since the inaugural event in 2005, Korea finished with one win and two draws for five points. It had identical records with Japan and China but raised the first-place trophy thanks to goal difference.
In its first two games of the competition, Korea drew 2-2 with China and 1-1 with Japan but its win over Taiwan secured the title.
With two goals, Jang was named tournament MVP and Kim Minjung as the top goalkeeper.
jihlee08@korea.kr