Korea Republic and China PR meet in the third-place playoff of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 on Sunday, with both sides confident about their chances after having thoroughly studied each other’s game.

The winning team at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium will not only have bragging rights as the third best U17 women’s team in Asia, but also qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024.

“We watched and analysed all the China PR matches, as we had a feeling that we would meet,” said Korea Republic head coach Kim Eun-jung. “They are a good offensive team but like every team, have strong and weak points, so we will try to utilise what we have learnt.”

The 2009 AFC U-16 Women’s Championship winners lost 3-0 to Japan in the semi-final, and Kim said her team are determined to deliver against China PR.

“Now we cannot back down. All the players are prepared and focused for the next match. I believe the players will fight well and we can go to the World Cup.”

China PR head coach Gary van Egmond said it will be a big occasion for both teams.

“We’re obviously very excited as there’s a World Cup place hanging in the balance,” said the 58-year-old. “We’re looking forward to the contest because Korea Republic are a strong opponent.”

The former Australian national team player knows his opponents well, having analysed the way they play and studied their key players individually.

“There are no more secrets. Everyone knows what the other teams look to do. But the focus is on ourselves, we want to do the things we do well.”

After their run to the final came to an end with a 1-0 semi-final defeat to DPR Korea, Van Egmond said he focused primarily on his team’s mindset.

“You’re not really going to see improvements between the semi-final and the game (playoff). Ours is in the mindset. The belief that we have among each other, between the coaches and players and from the federation and the players.

“We believe all the support and knowledge will give us the way to success.”

  • نویسنده : محمد مهدی اسماعیلی رها