Ferns happy to face physical Korea

Coach Jitka Klimková 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 Klimková 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.

Klimková, 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.’’

The Football Ferns were already without some injured key players and lost replacement striker Emma Rolston to a niggle after 14 minutes.

Rolston began the game with strapping on her thigh, but Klimková 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.’’

The Ferns began the Christchurch camp with 24 players, but lost Grace Wisnewksi and Jacqui Hand to injuries before the first game.

Klimková said she would assess the team’s recovery and final training session today before determining whether to change her lineup for tomorrow’s rematch.