Physical Korea no problem
Coach Jitka Klimkova´ says she has no problems with the robustness of the Football Ferns’ first clash with South Korea because she ‘‘loves the physical game’’.
South Korea – ranked 18 in the world – beat the Football Ferns – ranked four places lower – 1-0 in Christchurch on Saturday.
The rivals meet again tomorrow, with Klimkova´ hoping to match the outcome of last year’s split two-game series in Korea.
‘‘We lost the first game [in 2021], but found a way to beat Korea in the second game,’’ she said.
Saturday’s winning goal was a quality strike by Lee Min-a in the 31st minute while the Ferns hit the post with a Liv Chance shot as they pressed hard for an equaliser in the final quarter.
It wasn’t a spiteful game by any means, although no quarter was given by both sides on occasions.
Three Ferns were booked, defender Meikayla Moore and substitute striker Grace Jale for late challenges, and centreback Claudia Bunge for a cynical tug on the shirt of Lee Geum-min.
Lee was the only South Korean to pick up a yellow card – for time-wasting, although there were some vigorous tackles by the visitors.
Klimkova´ , however, wasn’t fazed by the cautions.
‘‘I have to say those fouls were very smart fouls,’’ she said, stressing they were ‘‘part of the game’’ but that she had impressed on her team that ‘‘if we need to do, [to do it] in the middle of the field so it’s not in our defensive third’’.
‘‘I love that physicality, I love the physical game. I think that’s the modern way how women’s football is going, so I am glad that we are matching up.’’
She said she wanted the Ferns to be ‘‘a physical team’’ and to ‘‘be aggressive’’ and show ‘‘that we are not going to give up any battle, and I could see it again [on Saturday]’’.
Klimkova´ was also keen, however, to see the Football Ferns convert their chances and be more clinical, saying ‘‘we want to be composed on the ball, and keep the ball, and we also want to get better without possession’’.
She felt her charges dominated the first 15 minutes and the last 15, when they had a flurry of late scoring opportunities, including Chance’s woodwork rattler.
The Football Ferns were already without some injured key players and lost replacement striker Emma Rolston to a niggle after 14 minutes.
At Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch:
(Lee Min-a 31min)
0. 1-0.
Tomorrow, 6pm at Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch.
Game one:
South Korea 1
Football Ferns HT: Game Two:
Rolston began the game with strapping on her thigh, but Klimkova´ had no qualms about starting her, saying: ‘‘Emma trained so well [during the week]. She was one of the most impactful players in the final third, scored a mountain of goals during the week and she was in very good shape.
‘‘I’m sad that she could not finish this game. I know how much it meant to her to be part of the game. I just hope she will be back as soon as possible.’’
The Ferns began the Christchurch camp with 24 players, but lost Grace Wisnewksi and Jacqui Hand to injuries before the first game.
Klimkova´ said she would assess the team’s recovery and final training session today before determining whether to change her lineup for tomorrow’s rematch.