Qualifiers Final Round – Group A MD1: Myanmar 0-7 Korea Republic
Jeju: Korea Republic got their AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament off to a flying start with a 7-0 win over Myanmar in their Group A opener at the Jeju World Cup Stadium on Monday.
Korea Republic were quick to seize control and their early pressure forced Myanmar into conceding a penalty when Kang Chae-rim was brought down by Khin Marlar Tun.
Ji made no mistake from the spot, sending Myanmar goalkeeper Mya Phu Ngon the wrong way to give Korea Republic a fifth minute lead.
The East Asians continued to dominate proceedings with Kang almost finding the back of the net in the 33rd minute after Lee Young-ju sent her free on the right but the Incheon Red Angels midfielder blazed her effort over the bar.
Korea Republic, however, doubled their advantage three minutes later when Shim Seo-yeon’s cross into the box was nodded down by Choe Yu-ri for Lee So-dam to hit home.
Myanmar got their first look at goal in the 35th minute but Oo Yee Yee’s long-range effort was easily collected by custodian Yoon Young-geul as Korea Republic took a comfortable lead into the break.
Myanmar’s hopes of forcing a comeback in the second half quickly evaporated when Park Yee-un fed Ji, who dribbled her way into the box before slotting home a clinical finish in the 52nd minute.
Ji turned provider a minute later when she squared the ball to an unmarked Park, who blasted the ball home to put Korea Republic 4-0 up.
Myanmar fell further behind in the 70th minute as Park headed Ji’s cross from the left into the net to double her tally for the night.
Substitute Yeo Min-ji etched her name on the scoresheet when she rose the highest to nod in Lee Do-sam’s corner in the 81st minute and added her second just before the final whistle to cap an impressive Korea Republic display.
Myanmar will look to bounce back against Vietnam on Thursday and it will be a result Korea Republic will follow closely ahead of their meeting with Vietnam on Sunday.
At the same day, on the first match of Group B, Chinese Taipei moved a step closer to their first-ever Olympic Games women’s football appearance with a 1-0 win over Thailand at Campbelltown Stadium.
Ting Chi’s strike midway through the first half gave Kazuo Echigo’s side a lead they never relinquished, well and truly keeping alive their hopes of advancing to next month’s final qualifying play-off as one the group’s top two sides.
Monday’s defeat comes as a severe blow to Thailand, who are now likely to need positive results against both China PR and Australia if their Olympic dream is to become a reality.
