Korea Republic women’s national team defeated Myanmar in their group stage opener at the Asian Games.

Colin Bell’s side claimed a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Myanmar in their opening match of Group E staged at Wenzhou Sports Centre Stadium on Friday, with Lee Eunyoung, Ji Soyun and Jeon Eunha on target. Korea Republic will take on the Philippines on Monday and then Hong Kong on Thursday, as they aim to reach the quarter-finals and beyond.

As there is no restriction on age in women’s football at the Asian Games, Colin Bell’s senior national team take part in the quadrennial competition. Korea Republic women’s national team have won the bronze medal in three previous editions: from Guangzhou 2010 to Jakarta-Palembang 2018.

Bell opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation: Son Hwayeon started as a lone striker supported by Chun Garam and Choe Yuri on the flanks, with Lee Mina operating as the attacking midfielder; Jang Selgi and Ji Soyun in central midfield; Choo Hyojoo, Shim Seoyeon, Kim Hyeri and Lee Eunyoung at the back; and Kim Jungmi between the sticks.

Korea Republic caused all sorts of problems for the Myanmar defence, with right-back Lee Eunyoung leading the attack from the flanks. On six minutes, Lee’s cross from the right fell into the path of Chun Garam, who could only head the ball just over the crossbar. Lee Mina found Lee Eunyoung lurking into the area, but the latter dragged her effort straight at the goalkeeper.

The attack-minded approach finally paid dividends after 24 minutes, when Lee Eunyoung received a neat pass from Ji Soyun before unleashing a powerful shot to score her first international goal.

The women in red picked up where they had left off as the second half got underway. Ji Soyun just did what she does best on 68 minutes, curling a magnificent free-kick into the top corner to make it 2-0.

Myanmar fought back to reduce the deficit, but it was not to be as they found themselves again on the back foot. Jang Selgi broke into the area against the run of play, and as her initial effort was denied by the keeper, Jeon Eunha latched onto the rebound to score her first goal for Korea Republic.

Group E

Korea Republic 3-0 Myanmar

Goals: Lee Eunyoung 24’, Ji Soyun 58’, Jeon Eunha 68’

KOR: Kim Jungmi, Choo Hyojoo, Shim Seoyeon, Kim Hyeri, Lee Eunyoung (Jung Seolbin 84’), Jang Selgi, Ji Soyun, Chun Garam (Moon Mira 63’), Lee Mina (Jeon Eunha 63’), Choe Yuri, Son Hwayeon (Moon Eunjoo 84’)