Korea’s Ji So-yun shines at U20 World Cup

Korean forward Ji So-yun has become a star attraction in Germany following spectacular performances during South Korea’s successful run to the semifinals of the Under 20 Women’s World Cup.

Notably, the 19-year-old Ji proved herself by scoring a hat-trick in Korea’s 4-0 win over Switzerland in the group stage.

The 161 cm-tall player, nicknamed as “Ji Messi,” for her resemblance to Lionel Messi, also scored a crucial goal with a deft free-kick in the team’s 3-1 drubbing of Mexico in the quarterfinals. 

Ji So-yun Yonhap News

Having already scored six goals in the last four games, Ji, is now aiming to become the first Korean to win the Golden Shoe award as the World Cup’s top scorer.

She is only one shy of the leading scorer Alexandra Popp of Germany.

The chance will become more favorable for Ji if Korea beats Germany in the semifinal game on Thursday to advance to the final of the tournament for the first time.

“She is quick, and has a great first touch. I think she’s going to score more goals,” said Lee Sang-yeop, the manager of Hanyang Women’s College.

Ji, who plays in either midfield or up front for the local college side, will likely move to a foreign club at the end of this season thanks to her outstanding performance at the World Cup, manager Lee told The Korea Herald.

“A few American and German clubs have shown their interests in her. Ji wants to play in an advanced league and I’m willing to help her.” 

Ji So-yun scores during Korea’s 4-2 win over Ghana.                                            Yonhap News

Becoming a professional woman footballer is still a big challenge in this country due to a lack of support and interest, in contrast to the increasing popularity of the sport. And it was especially hard for Ji, who has been living in difficult conditions. Raised by a single mother suffering from cancer, the talented footballer is still living on government support in a small rental home.

“However, she never expresses her hardship. With her earned popularity, I hope she can now be able to focus on football with more support,” said Lee.

The Korean Football Association noted the current U20 team is the new generation of women’s soccer in Korea, who started the sport in elementary school after the 2002 World Cup.

“There were about 24 women elementary school teams a couple of year ago, but now only 14 teams remain. So it’s becoming really difficult to find a talented player like Ji.”

The manager, however, added that he believes Ji’s stardom will help boost the sport’s popularity. 

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldm.com)