Korea beat Philippines 2-1 after scoring first goal in record 27 seconds

The Korean women's national team recorded their sixth consecutive win against the Philippines since 2008 after winning both friendlies during the April FIFA international break.

Korea's Choe Yu-ri breaks through the Philippines' defense during the first half of the match against the Philippines at Icheon Sports Complex in Icheon, Gyeonggi on Monday. [NEWS1]

The Korean women’s national football team defeated the Philippines 2-1 in their second friendly of the international break at Icheon City Stadium in Icheon, Gyeonggi on Monday, opening the scoring in record time to put the home side up 1-0 just 27 seconds after the first kick.

Winger Choo Hyo-joo of the Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels did the honors, shooting the ball into the middle of the net through a clear path with little pressure thanks to a critical assist from Birmingham City’s Choe Yu-ri.

Choe, a veteran forward for the national team, got the ball from a long pass down the right and drove it down to the end of the pitch, outrunning Philippines’ defenders to cross the ball over to an unmarked Choo on the left edge of the box who knocked the ball into the back of the net.

Korea's Choo Hyo-joo, center, celebrates with teammates during a match against the Philippines at Icheon Sports Complex in Icheon, Gyeonggi on Monday. [YONHAP]

That was the quickest the Taeguk Ladies have scored in the history of the senior national team, according to the Korea Football Association. The previous record was 38 seconds, by former Korea forward Sung Hyun-ah, who scored the opener against Hong Kong during a group stage match at the 2003 Women’s World Cup.

Choe got on the scoresheet in the 33rd minute, scoring the second goal of the match with an assist from Red Angels’ Kang Chae-rim. It was a play that resembled the lead-up to the opener, Kang driving down the right and crossing the ball to reach Choe, who knocked the ball into the back right from inside the box to make things 2-0 before halftime.

Korea's Choe Yu-ri shoots during a match against the Philippines at Icheon Sports Complex in Icheon, Gyeonggi on Monday. [YONHAP]

Philippines defender Angela Beard put one back for the visitors with a free kick in the 74th minute but Korea held on to their lead for the rest of the second half to notch their sixth consecutive win over the Philippines since 2008.

Korea's Choe Yu-ri attempts a header during the match against the Philippines at Icheon Sports Complex in Icheon, Gyeonggi on Monday, which Korea won 2-1. [YONHAP]

While Korea won by a smaller margin on Monday compared to their 3-0 victory over the Philippines on Friday, they were arguably more powerful on the pitch in their second match than in their first. Korea kept possession for nearly three-quarters of the match on Friday and took significantly more shots on goal, putting Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel to the test.

And Korea’s quick work in the first half on Monday came as a stark contrast to Friday’s match when the home side scored all three of their goals in the final 20 minutes of the game.

The wins against the Philippines lift the Taeguk Ladies’ 2024 record to three wins and one loss — they beat the Czech Republic 2-1 and lost to Portugal 5-1 over two friendlies in Europe in February.

The Korean women’s team, managed by Colin Bell, have a relatively light schedule this year after they failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics after their early exit from the 2023 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. They will return to the pitch during the next international break in June when they travel to the United States for two friendlies against the U.S. women’s national team.

The teams will first meet in Commerce City, Colorado for a match on June 1 before heading up to play their second game at Allianz Field, home of MLS side Minnesota United FC, on June 4 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

BY MARY YANG [mary.yang@joongang.co.kr]