Korea Republic women’s national team have completed a clean sweep of Zambia in their tune-up games for the finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023 this summer.

Lee Geummin scored a hat-trick and Park Eunsun added a brace as Colin Bell’s side cruised to a 5-0 victory over Zambia at Yongin Mir Stadium on Tuesday. The Taegeuk Ladies have recorded two wins in as many games against the Africans, having claimed a 5-2 win in the opening game on Friday.

Bell stuck with the same back-three from the first game, although he rang a few changes in the attacking line. Park Eunsun, who had inspired an impressive comeback after coming off the bench last week, started up front alongside Son Hwayeon; Lee Geummin and Cho Sohyun in front of defensive midfielder Bae Yebin; Choo Hyojoo and Jang Selgi on the flanks; Kim Yunji, Hong Hyeji and Kim Hyeri at the back; with Yoon Younggeul replacing veteran custodian Kim Jungmi.

Lim Seonjoo was ruled out due to the injury she had suffered last week, joining the likes of Ji Soyun, Choe Yuri and Shim Seoyeon - all of whom could not make the list.

The hosts got off to a cautious start, building up their play with passes between the rearguard and the midfielders. Bae Yebin retreated to protect the back three and provide the ammunition, whilst Cho carried on with her own duty as the playmaker freely marauding across the middle of the park.

The first chance of note came to Korea Republic. After five minutes, Kim Hyeri latched on to a left corner to try her luck from distance but could only curl her effort well over the crossbar.

For their part, Zambia looked a far better side than they were in the first match. On 13 minutes, Ochumba Lubanji broke into the area against the run of play, only to drag a low shot straight at Yoon Younggeul.

The hosts came twice close to an opening goal midway through the first half. Kim Hyeri’s long ball was laid off by Park Eunsun into the path of Lee Geummin, who was then challenged by Catherine Musonda inside the area. Choo Hyojoo broke from the right channel to send an inviting cross for Son Hwayeon, who was adjudged to be offside before hitting the back of the net.

The deadlock was finally broken after 31 minutes. Kim Yunji found Jang Selgi lurking into the left side of the area, before Jang was brought down on the centre of the box. Lee Geummin stepped up for the resulting spot-kick, which she calmly converted into the left-hand corner of the net.

It took only three minutes for the host to double their advantage. Kim Hyeri sent an accurate long-ball across the midfield and into the path of Park Eunson, who dribbled past the keeper almost nonchalantly before flicking the ball into an empty net to score her second goal in as many games.

Korea Republic did not slow down despite the two-goal cushion, and picked up where they had left off as the second half got underway. Eight minutes after the break, Hong Hyeji’s free-kick was nodded down by Park Eunsun into the path of an onrushing Lee Geummin, whose powerful effort from the edge of the area went in off the left post.

However, Zambia did not give up without a fight, as Racheal Kundananji intercepted the ball from Choo Hyojoo to curl her shot straight into the right post.

The hosts put the result beyond doubt with their fourth goal of the night. Son Hwayeon was brought down by Musonda after receiving a through ball from Cho Sohyun, and Lee Geummin was there to complete her hat-trick with another penalty on 77 minutes. Park Eunsun rounded off the comprehensive win with a thumping header off a Kim Hyeri corner in the closing minutes.

Women’s national team friendly presented by Shinsege Emart

Korea Republic 5-0 Zambia

Scorers: Lee Geummin 31’(pen), 53’, 77’(pen), Park Eunsun 34’, 89’

KOR: Yoon Younggeul, Choo Hyojoo, Kim Yunji, Hong Hyeji, Kim Hyeri, Jang Selgi, Bae Yebin, Lee Geummin (Jeon Eunha 90’+4), Cho Sohyun (Park Hyejeong 90’+4), Son Hwayeon (Chun Garam 84’), Park Eunsun (Lee Eunyoung 90’+4)