Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ho Cho Minh City: Korea Republic coach Yoon Deok-yeo has challenged his players to make the most of their “great opportunity” to reach the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since the 2003 edition by claiming one of the five ticket on offer at the 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
In 2003, Korea Republic reached the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, when they beat Japan 1-0 in the third place play-off in Thailand. That achievement earned a first-ever place at the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup and coach Yoon is desperate for his players to replicate those efforts for a long-awaited second appearance at the global tournament.
To do so, his side are targeting one of the top two places in a Group B that includes eight-times winners China, former champions Thailand and Myanmar, who they face in their opening fixture on Thursday at Thong Nhat Stadium.
“This is the best chance in a while for Korea Republic to take one of those places in the World Cup next year with five places up for grabs,” said coach Yoon.
“We haven’t been at the World Cup for 12 years, so we must take this chance; this great opportunity.
“All the coaches and players have worked very hard and I believe this will show up in the tournament, starting with the game against Myanmar.”
Coach Yoshinori Kumada, however, cited his Myanmar side recent successful outings in Asian competitions over the last eight months as giving an advantage to his side when they take to the field against Korea Republic on Thursday. And the Japanese coach is no less determined that his team should claim a place at the 2015 FIFA World Cup and in doing so transfer regional success to continental glory.
Last September, Myanmar took fourth-place in the 2013 AFF Women’s Championship and three months later claimed a bronze medal in the 2013 Southeast Asian Games, thrashing Malaysia 6-0 in the third place play-off.
“We have prepared for this tournament with many matches participated in various kind of tournaments, the last competition we played in we did very well by claiming the bronze medal,” said coach Kumada.
“After that we have prepared intensively for several months with our main aim of claiming one of the tickets for the World Cup next year.
“We will try to get good results here, and it’s especially important that we have a good performance and a positive result in our opener against Korea Republic.”