Korea loses to Sweden ahead of Women’s World Cup

Korea has dropped its first prep match ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Korea was routed by Sweden 4-0 in Falkenberg, Sweden, on Tuesday. The match was held across three quarters, instead of two halves, behind closed doors. The Korea Football Association (KFA) said the two teams agreed not to disclose their lineups.

Korea and Sweden, both contestants at the June 7-July 7 Women’s World Cup in France, will meet again in Gothenburg on Friday.

Korea, world No. 14, is in Group A at the tournament with France, Nigeria and Norway. Sweden, ninth in the world, will face the United States, Chile and Thailand in Group F.

Coached by Yoon Duk-yeo, Korea is seeking their second straight trip to the knockouts. From six groups of four, the top two countries and four best third-place teams will advance to the round of 16.

France is the top-ranked team in Group A at No. 4, followed by Norway (No. 12), Korea (No. 14) and Nigeria (No. 38).

Korea will face France in the tournament opener in Paris. The kickoff is 9 p.m. on June 7 (local time) and 4 a.m. on June 8 (Seoul time).

Yonhap