Seoul: The head coach of the South Korean women's national football team expressed confidence on Sunday, stating he feels no pressure as he prepares for an Asian Games face-off against his predecessor.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Shin Sang-woo's South Korea is set to commence their Group F matches in the women's football tournament with a game against Myanmar at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at Nagai Stadium in Osaka. This stadium is located approximately 140 kilometers west of the primary host city, Nagoya. Colin Bell, who led the South Korean team from 2019 to 2024, now coaches Myanmar. His familiarity with several current South Korean players may benefit Myanmar, although they have never secured a win against South Korea in seven prior encounters.
During a prematch press conference on Sunday, Shin addressed questions about facing the man he succeeded. He emphasized his focus on achieving a gold medal for South Korea. "At every tournament, the first match is always the most difficult one," Shin remarked in Osaka. "Just because coach Bell is on the other bench, it doesn't put any extra pressure on us."
South Korea has yet to win an Asian Games gold medal in women's football, having earned bronze medals in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Their winning streak was interrupted at the 2023 competition in Hangzhou, China, where they were eliminated in the quarterfinals. Shin noted the team's strong motivation to secure a differently colored medal this time, stating, "The vibe here is incredible." He also acknowledged the physical demands on players who participated in numerous club matches before joining the national team, and their efforts to prepare them optimally.
Following the match against Myanmar, South Korea will face Bangladesh at 4 p.m. on Thursday and then North Korea at 4 p.m. on September 21, with the likely outcome determining the group's top position. Historically, South Korea has had a challenging record against North Korea, with only one win in 21 meetings, alongside four draws and 16 losses.
Shin's squad includes six players from Suwon FC Women, a WK League club that competed against North Korea's Naegohyang Women's FC in the Asian Football Confederation Women's Champions League semifinals south of the border in May. Despite acknowledging North Korea's strength, Shin remains optimistic, stating, "In a short tournament, there are always variables. Our players and our staff are trying to get ready the best we can."