The national soccer team has returned home from the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and after a disappointing group stage exit, they’re back in action next month at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Ha Sung-ryong is a reporter.
스포츠토토After being knocked out of the group stage and returning home early, the players’ faces were full of disappointment, and they couldn’t smile despite the encouragement of their fans.
[Colin Bell/Women’s World Cup team manager: I’m very disappointed (to not make it to the round of 16)].
A sobering reflection on a World Cup that saw South Korea score the opening goal against ‘powerhouse’ Germany and earn a valuable draw, but ultimately fail to reach the round of 16.
[Cho So-hyun/Women’s World Cup team midfielder: I still think it’s right that I’m a ‘frog in a well’ because I think the players and teams that really show at the World Cup are the real deal….]
Still, she expressed hope that they will learn from their failure and come back stronger in four years.
[Chun Garam/Women’s World Cup team striker: I’ve been through the bitter pain (of losing in the round of 16), and I’ve written it down on a notepad so I won’t forget it, and I’m going to prepare a stronger me for the World Cup in four years].
With no time to rest, the team prepares for the Hangzhou Asian Games next month.
[Colin Bell/Women’s World Cup Team Head Coach: We’ve got to get back to work, and I’m sure the girls will want to perform like they did against Germany again (at the Asian Games)].
Colleen Bell is determined to bury the World Cup hatchet with a fourth consecutive Asian Games medal.