Scotland take on the Republic of Korea today determined to erase the memories of last year’s third-place play-off heartbreak.
Anna Signeul’s side were beaten on penalties by the Koreans in last year’s Cyprus Cup finals day, denying Scotland their best ever finish at the tournament. Both sides are without a win at this year’s tournament.
Scotland forward Hayley Lauder believes the team have something to prove and expects another tough game against the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
She said: “We’re really looking forward to the game. It’s always a great experience to play against a style of play like the South Koreans who are a very technical side. We’re going into the game with something to prove after losing our first two matches, so we will be going for the win.
“When we played them last year it was a really tough match. They were very skilful and tough in possession, and we expect the same today, but we know we can compete against them.
“It’s always good to come to the Cyprus Cup. It provides us with a great opportunity to train in warm conditions and play against some of the top football nations in the world.”
Korea Republic - Team Profile
Cyprus Cup record – THIRD PLACE 2014
The Korea Republic qualified for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World cup in Canada by finishing in fourth at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup last year. Currently ranked number 17 in the world, the country can boast one of the game’s most talented midfielders in Ji So-Yun. The Chelsea Ladies’ player was named the FA Women’s Player’s Player of the Year in WSL 1 last season and has scored 30 goals for the national team since making her debut in 2006.
Coach – Yoon Deok-yeo
The defender made 31 appearances for the South Korean men’s team and played at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Deok-yeo has coached for over 20 years in his native South Korea and took over the national women’s team in 2013.
Previous Cyprus Cup meetings
Scotland 1-1 Republic of Korea (Korea win 3-1 on pens) – 12 March 2014