Korea Republic women’s national team fell at the first hurdle as newly appointed coach Shin Sangwoo failed to avoid a comprehensive defeat in his first game in charge.
 

Shin’s side lost 4-0 at the hands of Japan in a friendly match staged at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday, conceding three goals in the space of five minutes midway through the first half. The result put the Taegeuk Nangja way behind in the head-to-head record against the Nadeshiko, with four wins, 11 draws and 19 defeats.
 

Korea Republic were without some of their key players including Ji Soyun, Lee Geummin, Choe Yuri and Casey Phair, and the new-look side based on the players from the domestic league failed to match the formidable Japanese counterpart. The sides are set to play another game behind closed doors at the JFA Yume Field in Chiba on Tuesday.
 

Shin opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation spearheaded by Choi Yoojung, who started in front of attacking midfield trio Han Chaerin, Lee Mina and Moon Mira; Lee Youngju and Jeon Eunha in defensive midfield; Jang Selgi, Lee Siho, Lee Hyokyeong and Kim Hyeri at the back; and Kim Minjung between the sticks. Choi Yoojung and Lee Siho made their first appearance for Korea Republic.

 

Jeon Eunha dribbles through two Japanese defenders.
 

Korea Republic fought well in the first ten minutes after kick-off, with Moon Mira firing a warning shot from the right side of the penalty area that Yamashita Ayaka managed to parry away. Moments later, Choi Yoojung intercepted the ball inside the area but could not connect with a shot from the goalmouth.
 

At the opposite end, the hosts began to regroup and seize control midway through the first half. Kitagawa Hikaru glanced a header off a Hasegawa Yui corner to put her side ahead on 33 minutes.

Korea Republic’s defence collapsed shortly afterwards, an attempted clearance fell into the path of Tanaka Mina, who set up Fujino Aoba for the second goal of the afternoon.
 

Third goal came from another defensive error, this time Lee Siho’s pass was intercepted by Tanaka, who broke into the centre of the area and made no mistake with only the keeper to beat.

 

Choi Yoojung made her Korea Republic debut against Japan.
 

With his side trailing by three goals, coach Shin made two changes as Kim Jinhui and Lee Eunyoung came off the bench to replace Lee Siho and Han Chaerin respectively. Korea Republic geared up right after the restart, with Choi Yoojung’s deflected effort denied by the outstretched hands of Yamashita.
 

Japan then extended their lead on 56 minutes, when Tanikawa Momoko latched on to a low cross from Moriya Miyabi to make it 4-0. Choo Hyojoo, Lee Subin and then Yeo Minji came off the bench as the visitors fought hard to reduce the deficit, but it proved too little, too late to turn the game in their favour.

Women’s football international friendly

Japan 4-0 Korea Republic

Goals: Kitagawa Hikaru 33’, Fujino Aoba 34’, Tanaka Mina, Tanikawa Momoko 56’

KOR: Kim Minjung(GK), Jang Selgi, Lee Siho (Kim Jinhui 46’), Lee Hyokyeong, Kim Hyeri, Lee Youngju, Jeon Eunha (Yeo Minji 83’), Han Chaerin (Lee Eunyoung 46’), Lee Mina (Lee Subin 64’), Moon Mira (Noh Jinyoung 79’), Choi Yoojung (Choo Hyojoo 64’)