Suwon trio look to show tried-and-tested teamwork at World Cup

Football

Published: 17 Jul. 2023, 17:28 Updated: 18 Jul. 2023, 17:51

Suwon trio look to show tried-and-tested teamwork at World Cup

Moon Mi-ra, center, takes part in a Korean women's football team training session on a practice field at Thomas Hassall Anglican College in Middleton Grange, Australia on Saturday. [YONHAP]

The Suwon FC trio of Moon Mi-ra, Shim Seo-yeon and Jeon Eun-ha are keen to prove that they have what it takes as they represent Korea at the upcoming Australia-New Zealand World Cup, set to start on Thursday.

This year’s World Cup squad includes Korea's most-capped veterans Ji So-yun and Cho So-hyun, in addition to seasoned players with World Cup experience and those who have yet to shine on the senior international stage.

Moon is one of the seasoned players, having played in the 2019 World Cup.

“Playing in the World Cup is a dream for all footballers and I am honored that I can participate in the tournament for a second time,” Moon said in a video clip released by the Korea Football Association on Monday.

The 31-year-old forward was the top scorer in the 2022 WK League with 10 goals and is looking to ride that momentum through the World Cup.

“I will try to utilize my strengths as much as possible and help the team, if I can play in the World Cup,” Moon said. “I think my strength is being decisive in front of goal.”

Shim, 34, is also eager to show her best as it may be her last World Cup.

Shim Seo-yeon speaks during an interview with the Korea Football Association media team at Rydges Campbelltown Hotel in Campbelltown, Australia on Saturday. [YONHAP]

“I didn’t participate in the previous World Cup and played my first World Cup in 2015. This year’s is realistically my last World Cup,” Shim said. “I am cherishing each and every day now, and I hope I won't leave here with any disappointment or regret.”

Shim reached the round of 16 with Korea in 2015 but missed the 2019 World Cup due to injury.

Jeon, 30, expects that she will be able to show good form alongside her teammates Ji and Choo Hyo-joo in her first World Cup.

Jeon Eun-ha poses for a photo during an interview with the Korea Football Association media team at Rydges Campbelltown Hotel in Campbelltown, Australia on Saturday. [YONHAP]

“Since I’ve been playing in the WK League with So-yun and Hyo-joo, I know their style and so do they. I think that will help us think what each of us will do in certain situations,” Jeon said.

This year’s World Cup is a chance for Korea to redeem themselves after suffering three straight losses in the group stage at the last tournament.

The Taeguk Ladies won their last friendly match against Haiti 2-1 at Seoul World Cup Stadium on July 8, before they jetted off to Australia.

They will play their first group stage game against Colombia on July 25, followed by a second game with Morocco on July 30 and third with Germany on Aug. 3

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]