Both South Korea and Costa Rica can still qualify for the last 16 of this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup following a thrilling 2-2 draw on Saturday night.
Costa Rica took the lead through Melissa Herrera but within minutes South Korea equalised from the spot as Chelsea Ladies’ Ji So-Yun converted a penalty. Just five minutes later the Asian side found themselves in front courtesy of Gaeul Jeon in an enthralling period of the game, before a dramatic equaliser for Costa Rica from substitute Karla Villaobos in the 89th minute made sure the points were shared.
Despite having lost their opening fixture to group leaders Brazil, South Korea started the game full of confidence. However, it was Las Ticas who broke the deadlock, after goalkeeper KIM Jungmi failed to clear the danger following Katherine Avarado’s free kick and Herrera was on hand to flick the ball over her head and in to the net.
South Korea to their credit looked undeterred and were level within four minutes after Yoo Younga was fouled in the box by Costa Rican midfielder Cristin Grandos and the referee awarded a penalty. PFA Player of the Year So-Yun stepped up to take the spot kick and record her first goal of the tournament, before team mate Kang Yumi delivered the perfect cross for Jeon to head home South Korea’s second of the game.
After coming from behind the Taegeuk Ladies started the second half with the intent to put the game out of reach of their opponents and came closest through Jeon’s dangerous set-piece.
Costa Rica then had a few good opportunities to get a goal back with Lixy Rodriguez seeing her shot come back off the frame of the goal and Raquel Rodriguez Cedeno going just short of making a connection with an excellent cross from 15-year-old Gloriana Villalobos.
But the break though finally came for Costa Rica in the 89th minute when Alvarado played a perfectly weighted through ball to K Villalobos who controlled the ball on her chest and, with great composure, slotted the ball past Jungmi in goal to ensure her side of a point.
That said, the Central Americans could have nicked all three but K Villalobos’ free kick at the death went just wide of the post.
Brazil are already through to the last 16 in Group E but the second automatic spot is still up for grabs in group E, and this result leaves both sides in with a chance. Costa Rica sit second in the table on two points but face leaders Brazil in their final game, whilst South Korea and Spain have one point each from their first two games and will face off in a decisive match on Wednesday.
