Korea Republic women’s national team held Canada to a scoreless draw.

Colin Bell’s charges drew 0-0 with Canada at the BMO Field in Toronto, after keeping the Olympic champions at bay for 90 minutes on Sunday afternoon.

Having said that he would test the tactical flexibility in the pre-match press conference, Bell rang a few changes to his side: Son Hwayeon and Lee Geummin started up front, with Ji Soyun supporting the attacking duo. Cho Sohyun and Lee Youngju in midfield flanked by Jang Selgi and Choo Hyojoo. Shim Seoyeon, Lim Seonjoo and Kim Hyeri at the back, with Yoon Younggeul between the sticks.

Captain Kim Hyeri moved from her usual position of right-back to central rearguard on her 100th international appearance, whilst midfielder Lee Youngju returned to her comfort zone after a stint as a defender during the Asian Cup and recent friendlies. Ji Soyun’s switch to a more advanced position was also amongst the notable changes in the match.

The visitors made their intentions clear right from the off, as Ji fired a warning shot from the area after just two minutes. At the opposite end, Jordyn Huitema responded with a header off a cross from the left.

The Canadians began to take control of the game and possession as well, piling pressure up front to prevent their opponents from building up the play. However, the hosts still struggled to find a breakthrough against the stubborn Korean rearguard, despite creating a couple of chances from set-pieces.

The women in red, for their part, absorbed the waves of attack midway through the first half to launch a counterattack against the run of play. On 29 minutes, Ji shook off the challenges from her marker to unleash an audacious effort that went just wide of the target. Ji kept up the pressure with through balls to Son and Lee up front, although the hosts managed to block the path on each occasion.

The hosts picked up where they had left off, as they made a series of attacking substitutions after the interval. But the visitors defended bravely, maintaining solid organisation to suffocate the Canadian offence. In fact, they began to fight back and gain more possession of the ball as the half wore on.

Canada missed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock deep into added time. Kadeisha Buchanan’s header off a corner was saved by Yoon, who did well to recover and block the ensuing efforts from Deanne Rose and then Vanessa Gilles.

Women’s national team international friendly(BMO Field, Toronto, 26 June 2022)

Canada 0-0 Korea Republic

KOR: Yoon Younggeul; Shim Seoyeon, Lim Seonjoo, Kim Hyeri; Jang Selgi, Cho Sohyun, Lee Youngju, Choo Hyojoo; Ji Soyun; Son Hwayeon (Kang Chaerim 67’), Lee Geummin (Jeon Eunha 89’)