The South Korea women's team lost their last match of the year 0-1 to Australia. To be the first women's team to qualify for the Olympics they needed to check out many things.

November 29 - At Icheon City Stadium, Korea (FIFA ranking 17) lost 0-1 to Australia (FIFA ranking 9) in a friendly match after Kyah Simon scored in the 67'. With the result, Korea's record against Australia stands at 2-1-11. At this year's Canada Women's World Cup, Australia finished in the quarterfinals, so it was good experience for Korea.

This game was a good test for Korea in preparation for next February's final round of Olympic qualifying in Osaka, Japan. Korea will meet North Korea (FIFA ranking 6), Japan (FIFA ranking 4), Australia, China (FIFA ranking 15), Vietnam (FIFA ranking 33). The top two teams from the group will advance to the final Olympic tournament in Rio de Janeiro. Along with the match against Australia, Korea will check their progress next January at a four nation friendly tournament in China.

Women's coach Yoon Dukyeo kept the same line up he used in the first period of practice match (Nov.27, total 3 periods) against Australia with the exception of a change in goal. Yoon Younggeul (Suwon FMC) started the practice match, but was replaced by Kim Jungmi (Hyundai Steel) for the friendly. The defense was Lee Eunmi (Icheon Daekyo) - Hong Hyeji (Korea University) - Lim Seonjoo - Kim Hyeri (both Hyundai Steel). Kwon Hahnul (Sangmu) and Lee Mina (Hyundai Steel) were the two holding midfielders behind the attackers Lee Geummin (Seoul City), Ji Soyun (Chelsea Ladies), and Kang Yumi (Hyundai Steel). Lee Hyunyoung (Icheon Daekyo) was the lone forward. At the practice game Korea won 3-1 thanks to goals from Lee Geummin (2) and Ji Soyun.

Australia showed very different skills from the practice game. Team captain Lisa De Vanna took control of distributing the ball around from her central position. Emily van Egmond, who plays for FFC Frankfurt in Germany, continuously took dangerous shots. In the early stages of the first half Australia had a series of corner kicks that Korea was able to clear away. Then midway through the half, fullback Lee Eunmi unfortunately suffered an injury and had to be replaced by Kim Sooyun.

In the 30' Korea was able to get some shots off for a change. From Korea's first corner kick the ball trickled through and Lee Mina connected with a left-footed shot. However, the ball took a deflection off a defender and went out. In the final moments of the first half Ji Soyun found herself in front of goal and played a through pass to Lee Geummin who wasn't able to control the ball and shoot. Overall the first half was controlled by Australia and the game was difficult for Korea.

At the beginning of the second half, coach Yoon replaced Lee Hyunyoung with Yoo Younga (Hyundai Steel). Later Lee Mina and Kang Yumi were replaced by Lee Youngju (Sangmu) and Jeon Gaeul (Hyundai Steel) to boost the attack. Korea's changes reversed the game's atmosphere. In the 64' Jeon Gaeul crossed the ball to Lee Geummin who shot, but missed the goal.

Then in the 67' Korea conceded the opening goal. Australia passed the ball forward from just inside the Korea half, and the Korea defense failed to clear it. The ball tricked through and Kyah Simon got it and scored. Korea pushed for an equalizer as clock ticked down, but they couldn't break through the Australia defensive wall. Korea tried several shots, but weren't able to score.....

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