The FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy is glowing in the sunshine outside the Ulsan World Cup Stadium, a venue steep in heritage, having hosted three guys’ FIFA World Cup™ video games in 2002. Korea Republic’s men’s side has been on the town to play Bolivia in a friendly. Still, earlier than that, each eye was on the lady’s Trophy, with girls’ internationals – goalkeeper Kim Jung-mi and Player of the Year Jang Selig, each in attendance. With FIFA, the Korean FA (KFA), and partners Hyundai additionally on hand, there was a swell of media hobby – many of which hope to get an insight into preparations for the imminent trip to France from the pair of national crew stars.
For Kim, this will be her 0.33 World Cup, having played in Canada in 2015 and been part of the squad as an 18-year-vintage in 2003. Seeing the trophy up close, alongside the media scrum that surrounded her and Jang, made the goalkeeper understand simply how fast the event is drawing near. “Before the trophy got here to Ulsan, I concept there was nonetheless quite a few time until the World Cup, but now I realize I have to up my preparation,” Kim admitted. “I experience in a rush to be ready for this summertime.”
The South Koreans will open the World Cup against hosts France, with complex ties against Norway and Nigeria. Kim, who has over one hundred caps for u. S. A . will face the likes of awesome attacking skills Eugenie Le Sommer (France), Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria), and Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway) inside the organization ranges. But having grown up in surroundings where it is perceived that soccer is possibly no longer for women, she has surely faced hard, demanding situations – particularly as a goalkeeper. “Many people assume the game is for guys, however whilst women play football, I suppose it’s superb. Every goalkeeper is the same; pressure is connected to conceding an aim.
But it’s up to me and my teaching to conquer that strain.” Korea Republic’s capacity to keep the ball and put on down their competition with an ownership-primarily based fashion of football could be a manner to alleviate some of that pressure on Kim and her defense. The Incheon Red Angels stopper described their style of play as “excessive degree,” comparing it to Asian neighbors Korea DPR, Japan, and Australia. With gamers like Jang, Chelsea’s Ji Soyun, and captain Cho Sohyun at West Ham, Korea Republic has many skills to call upon.
Kim is hopeful that they, plus a step up in preparations, will see her facet carry out nicely in France, and with any luck, encourage greater women and women to play the game in her home united states of America. “In Korea, the women’s soccer basis may be minimal – no longer many girls play football,” she said. “But if we play nicely on the World Cup, many people will watch that, many human beings get motivation, and that means more women and youngsters will need to play football.”
