South Korea outclass Iran 3-0 in Asian Women’s Cup opener

GOLD COAST – South Korea went to the top of Group A in the Women’s Asian Cup after overcoming a dogged Iran 3-0 in their tournament opener on Queensland’s Gold Coast on March 2.

The Koreans – runners-up to China in the 2022 edition – totally dominated a brave but outclassed Iran, who showed no signs of being affected by the war raging at home, while some supporters waved shah-era flags.

South Korea’s Casey Phair, who came on as a second-half substitute, said her side had plenty of room for improvement.

“We worked really hard and performed really well, but we could have scored a few more goals and we missed a couple of chances,” she said.

“That’s something we can work on in training, but I think it was a really good starting point for the tournament.”

South Korea now head their group on goal difference after Australia managed only a 1-0 win over the Philippines on March 1.

The Koreans dominated from the outset as Iran sat back in defence, trying to limit the damage rather than take the attack to their opponents at the Robina Stadium.

For most of the first half the tactic was successful, despite the Koreans ending the game with almost 80 per cent possession and more than 30 shots at goal.

However, the relentless attack eventually told in the 37th minute when a shot from Jang Sel-gi rebounded off the upright to Choe Yu-ri, who slotted home off her left boot, giving South Korea a 1-0 lead at the break.

Iran made three substitutions at half-time and came out in the second with a more attacking mindset.

But the game was as good as over on the hour mark when Lee Eun-young was brought down in the box by Melika Motevalli and Kim Hye-ri slotted in the penalty.

South Korean captain Ko Yoo-jin put the icing on the cake in the 75th-minute, when she headed in Kim’s free kick to score her first goal for her country.

South Korea next play the Philippines, while Australia take on Iran in a double-header on the Gold Coast on March 5.

Australia captain Sam Kerr, meanwhile, was asked about Iran and the rising tensions.

“Obviously it’s really tough what’s going on around the world,” the 32-year-old Chelsea striker told Network 10.

“But they’re just young girls and young footballers... we will treat the game like any other game and show the team the utmost respect and prepare properly.

“But I’m sure there’s a lot of things going on in their heads, which is sad. But this is a football tournament, so we have to focus on ourselves and hopefully get the win again.” AFP