AFC Women's Asian Cup
Head coach Shin Sang-woo did not shy away from the favourites tag after a sterling group stage campaign that saw them pip Australia to the Group A top spot and while knowing Uzbekistan will be tough opponents, is positive the 2022 runners-up have done their homework.
“As we finished the group stage as winners, we had more recovery time than other teams, so I feel that we will go into the match in good condition,” said Shin.
“There wasn’t a lot of time to work on tactics since the last match but there are things that we have spoken extensively within the team, especially on our defence since we conceded three goals in one game."
“There wasn’t a lot of time to work on tactics since the last match but there are things that we have spoken extensively within the team, especially on our defence since we conceded three goals in one game."
“For this match, we have good analysis on Uzbekistan and I’m confident we will do better. We expect them to be compact and organised in defence. We’ve prepared various attacking options, and we are ready to show it in the game.”
While Korea Republic are making their fourth consecutive appearance in the knockout stage, it’s the first for Uzbekistan and head coach Kotryna Kulbyte wants her team to savour the moment but at the same time, be mindful not to just settle after this achievement.
While Korea Republic are making their fourth consecutive appearance in the knockout stage, it’s the first for Uzbekistan and head coach Kotryna Kulbyte wants her team to savour the moment but at the same time, be mindful not to just settle after this achievement.
#WAC2026 - Preview: Quarter-finals
“Exciting game for us because it’s the first time in our history,” said Kulbyte. “It’s a big game not just because it’s against Korea but also because it’s the first time we are in the quarter-finals, so we cannot wait to step on the pitch and do our job.
“There’s always the danger of getting too emotional but it’s part of the game. If you don’t live and appreciate the moment, then there’s no point. One year ago we dreamed of being here. Then we dreamed about reaching the quarter-finals.
“Now it is about achieving our next dream but to dream without putting in the work does not work. We are happy where we are but we want more.”
“There’s always the danger of getting too emotional but it’s part of the game. If you don’t live and appreciate the moment, then there’s no point. One year ago we dreamed of being here. Then we dreamed about reaching the quarter-finals.
“Now it is about achieving our next dream but to dream without putting in the work does not work. We are happy where we are but we want more.”
Goals have been spread out across the Korea Republic team with the nine they scored in the group stage contributed by eight different players, with only Mun Eun-ju having netted two.
That itself represents the type of challenge that Uzbekistan will face with Kulbyte demanding absolute focus and resilience from her charges.
“Korea are one of the more impressive teams in the tournament. We had friendly matches against them in preparation for this tournament so we are quite familiar with them. As well, we have analysed what they did throughout the group stage.
“We have to be organised tactically. They have quality players but we have shown that we can be disciplined and structured.”
That itself represents the type of challenge that Uzbekistan will face with Kulbyte demanding absolute focus and resilience from her charges.
“Korea are one of the more impressive teams in the tournament. We had friendly matches against them in preparation for this tournament so we are quite familiar with them. As well, we have analysed what they did throughout the group stage.
“We have to be organised tactically. They have quality players but we have shown that we can be disciplined and structured.”
Trivia
● This will be the second meeting between Korea Republic and Uzbekistan at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with Korea Republic winning the previous encounter 6-0 on 25 September 1995.
● Uzbekistan won their most recent game in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 (4-0 vs Bangladesh), the last and the only time they won consecutive matches in the competition was between November 1999 and December 2001 (4 games).
● Kholida Dadaboeva (Uzbekistan) has made 24 clearances in the ongoing edition, the third most by any player behind Fatemeh Amineh (33) and Huang Ke-Sin (25); in fact, only Chinese Taipei’s duo of Su Sinyun and Huang Ke-Sin (10 each) have made more headed clearances this season than Dadaboeva (9).
● Ko Yoo-Jin (Korea Republic) has logged a passing accuracy of 93.5% in the ongoing competition, the third best among players with 50+ passes attempted behind Steph Catley (95.8%) and Saki Kumagai (94.6%); in fact, Yoo-Jin has completed 217 of her 232 pass attempts, the second most in the competition this term after Clare Hunt (249).
Korea Republic v Uzbekistan
Venue: Stadium Australia (Sydney)
Kick-off: Saturday, 20:00 (UTC+11)
Venue: Stadium Australia (Sydney)
Kick-off: Saturday, 20:00 (UTC+11)
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