Wales were held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea in a thrilling Women’s international friendly encounter in Malaga.
It was the first-ever meeting between the two nations, with both sides looking to build momentum ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
As It Happened
The tone was set within minutes. In the sixth minute, Sophie Ingle forced a corner after her shot was tipped over by Kim Min-jung. From the resulting delivery by Lily Woodham, Ingle rose highest and headed home from close range to give Wales a deserved 1–0 lead.
Wales continued to press. Ingle almost repeated the feat with another header, while Hannah Cain squandered a golden chance, dragging her shot wide when clean through. Ingle also went close again from a recycled corner, but Wales couldn’t find the finishing touch.
Early on, South Korea struggled to impose themselves, though Ji So-yun did threaten in the 20th minute – played through on goal before Gemma Evans recovered brilliantly to block. Much of Korea’s neat first-half build-up was undone by hesitation in the final third.
At half-time, Wales had enjoyed the better of possession and chances, but their failure to turn dominance into goals kept the contest alive.
South Korea emerged with greater intent, pressing high and forcing Wales into mistakes. Ji So-yun dictated play from midfield, while Son Hwa-yeon’s runs continually stretched the Welsh defence.
The breakthrough came in the 68th minute. A well-worked move freed Kim Min-ji inside the box, and she calmly slotted past Olivia Clark to level the scores – a reward for Korea’s persistence and a reminder of their clinical edge.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but the clearer openings fell to Wales, who grew increasingly frustrated as chances slipped away. Korea managed the tempo well, slowing play and disrupting Wales’ rhythm whenever they threatened.
The match finished 1–1. Wales can reflect on a performance full of energy and invention, but also one marked by missed opportunities. Ingle’s early header should have been the springboard for victory, yet wasteful finishing and lapses in concentration allowed Korea back into the game.
The Lineups
KOR: Kim Min-JUng; KIm Hye-Ri, Ko Yoo-Jin, Shin Na-Young, Jang Sel-Gi; Song Jae-Eun, Ji So-Yun, Kim Shin-Ji; Kang Chae-Rim, Choi Yoo-Jung, Son Hwa-Yeon
WAL: Clark; Roberts, Ladd, Evans, Woodham; Morgan, James-Turner, Ingle; Jones, Griffiths, Cain