Korea Republic women’s national team held Japan to a 1-1 draw to finish runners-up in Group C of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022. 

Colin Bell’s charges came from behind to claim a hard-fought draw against Japan in their final group match at Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India on Thursday, substitute Seo Jiyoun cancelling out an early blow from Riko Ueki.

Both Korea Republic and Japan finished on top of Group C with seven points from two wins and a draw, but Japan edged their neighbours on goal difference to win the group. Runners-up Korea Republic will take on Group B winners in the quarter-finals, with Australia most likely to be their opponents in the last eight. The quarter-final tie will be staged at the same venue on Sunday afternoon.

The Taegeuk Nangja made a defensive-minded approach against the defending champions. Son Hwayeon, Choe Yuri and Lee Geummin started up front, and central midfielders Cho Sohyun and Ji Soyun were flanked by Choo Hyojoo and Kim Hyeri. Shim Seoyeon, Lim Seonju and Lee Youngju at the back, Kim Jungmi between the posts.

The women in red were dealt an early blow in the first minute. Shiori Miyake put Ueki through on goal with a long ball, with the diminutive forward breaking into the area to put her side ahead. They fought back almost immediately, with Lee Youngju glancing a header just wide before Choo saw her audacious effort denied by Ayaka Yamashita.

Japan dominated with their passing game after opening exchanges, mounting pressure against their opposition across the pitch. The Koreans, for their part, sat back to focus on defending whilst looking for their opportunities from the flanks, although they struggled to create any chances midway through the first half. Yui Hasegawa tested Kim Jungmi with a shot from the edge of the area, before the the goalkeeper did well to parry the ball away from a dangerous corner as half hour approached.

The match was wide open on the stroke of half time, with both sides trying to turn the tides before the interval. Yui Narumiya saw her effort from the right side of the box denied by Kim on 45 minutes, before Cho Sohyun’s header off a Kim Hyeri cross went over the crossbar three minutes into added time.

Korea Republic came out strong into the second half, to claw their way back with some fine attacking football. Son Hwayeon was awarded a free-kick from a promising position on 64 minutes, only for Lim Seonjoo to miscue her header following Ji’s free-kick. Bell then added more attacking option in the shape of Lee Mina, who came off the bench to replace Choe Yuri on 72 minutes.

Moments later, Lee Geummin broke into the left side of the area before dragging her shot straight at Yamashita, but the lineswoman had already raised her flag for offside. Seo Jiyoun was then brought on to replace Son on 82 minutes.

Korea Republic managed to restore parity with five minutes remaining. Kim Hyeri’s corner caused a chaos in front of the Japanese goal, and Seo was the fastest to react amidst the goalmouth scramble to draw level. The Taegeuk Nangja kept up the momentum to score a last-gasp winner, but there was not enough time as the match ended in a stalemate.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022

Group C

Korea Republic 1-1 Japan

Scorers: Riko Ueki 1’, Seo Jiyoun 85’

KOR: Kim Jungmi; Shim Seoyeon, Lim Seonjoo, Lee Youngju; Choo Hyojoo, Cho Sohyun, Ji Soyun, Kim Hyeri; Son Hwayeon (Seo Jiyoun 82’), Choe Yuri (Lee Mina 72’), Lee Geummin