Osaka: As the final round of qualification kicks off in Osaka on Monday for the 2016 Olympics women's football tournament, lets take a look at one of the participating teams, Korea Republic.
FIFA Women’s World Ranking: 18th
AFC Women’s Ranking: 5th
AFC Women’s Asian Cup: Third 2003; Fourth 2014, 2001, 1995; Group Stage 2010, 2008, 2006, 1999, 1997, 1993, 1991
FIFA Women’s World Cup: Round of 16 2015, Group Stage 2003
TEAM PROFILE
Led by talented overseas-based trio Ji So-yun, Cho So-hyun and Jeon Ga-eul, Korea Republic have the potential to spring a surprise one the more established nations of Asian women’s football at the final round of the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Japan.
A fourth place finish at the 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup secured a second FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance, having made their debut on the world stage at the 2003 edition, and Korea impressed in Canada where they reached the Round of 16.
Although they are yet to qualify for the women’s football tournament since its addition to the official programme at the 1996 Olympic Games, Korea will be looking to end that barren run in Osaka.
KEY PLAYER
In less than two years, 2013 AFC Women’s Player of the Year Ji So-yun has established herself as one of the stars of the women’s game for both club and country, with whom she is the Korea Republic women’s national team all-time top scorer.
One of the most highly rated female players in the world Ji’s goals fired Chelsea Ladies to the Women’s Super League and FA Cup double in England, and was the 2014/2015 PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year.
COACH
Former Korea Republic and Ulsan Hyundai defender Yoon Deok-yeo knows what it is like on the field and in the dugout at a FIFA World Cup having appeared in the men’s version as a player in 1990 and coached at the 2015 women’s edition.
In charge of his nation’s women’s national team since 2013, the 54-year-old led Korea Republic to a fourth place finish at the 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Source: the-afc.com