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Tuesday, December 2, 2025

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Wales pegged back by South Korea

Wales 1 South Korea 1

Wales were left frustrated in their penultimate match of 2025 as missed opportunities in the first half allowed Korea Republic to battle

back for a 1-1 draw in the first ever meeting between the two countries.

Rhian Wilkinson had spoken openly before kick off about shedding the weight of a winless 2025, making seven changes from the side well beaten 5-2 by Poland in November and handing the captain’s armband back to Angharad James in midfield.

Wales started brightly and took a deserved lead after just six minutes. Sophie Ingle’s initial effort was pushed away by goalkeeper Kim Min-jeong, but the Chelsea midfielder was perfectly placed to head home the resulting corner and give the hosts the perfect start.

Hannah Cain could have doubled the advantage moments later but steered her shot wide, and Wales continued to dominate possession and territory. Ingle nearly grabbed a second when stretching to meet a deep cross but couldn’t quite connect at the far post, while the physical edge Wilkinson’s side enjoyed made them a constant threat from set-pieces.

Korea Republic, playing their first match since July, offered little in response for much of the opening period. Ji So-yun remained their main creative outlet and forced Olivia Clark into a routine save, but chances for Mared Griffiths and Carrie Jones went begging as Wales took a slender 1-0 lead into the interval.

The introduction of Elise Hughes at half time almost paid immediate dividends, the striker crashing a shot against the post within three minutes of the restart. Yet Korea Republic responded with three substitutions of their own and adopted a far more physical approach.

Choi Yoo-jung drew a smart stop from Clark shortly after the break, and Wales were made to pay for wastefulness in front of goal on 68 minutes. Substitute Kim Min-ji was left unmarked to power a header beyond Clark and haul the visitors level.

The equaliser visibly lifted Korea Republic, who began to ask serious questions of a Wales defence that had looked comfortable for large spells. Wales were unable to rediscover the fluency of the first half and were forced to settle for a draw that felt like a disappointment after such a dominant opening 45 minutes.

Wales will feel they did enough to claim a first victory of the calendar year but were ultimately punished for failing to convert pressure into goals. The search for that elusive 2025 win goes on, with one more attempt on Tuesday when they take on Switzerland.

Wales: Olivia Clark, Rhiannon Roberts, Lily Woodham, Sophie Ingle, Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans, Ffion Morgan (sub Ceri Holland 60mins), Angharad James (sub Mia Ross 83mins), Carrie Jones (sub Rachel Rowe 60mins), Mared Griffiths, Hannah Cain (sub Elise Hughes 45mins). Subs not used: Safia Middleton-Patel, Poppy Lyons-Walker, Ella Powell, Charlie Estcourt, Mary McAteer, Esther Morgan, Tianna Teisar, Olivia Francis.  

South Korea: Kim Min-jung, Kim Hye-ri, Jang Sel-gi, Shin Na Yeong, Ko Yoo-jin, Jae-Eun Song (sub Kim Min-ji 45mins), Son Hwa-yeon (sub Lee Eun-Young 45mins), Kim Shin-ji, Choi Yoo-Jung (Lee Su-Bin 72mins), Ji So-yun (sub Casey Phair 45mins), Kang Chae-rim (sub Choe Yu-ri 64mins). Subs not used: Ryu Ji-soo, Seobin Woo, Lee Min-Hwa, Kim Mi-Yeon, Kim Jin-Hee, Noh Jin-Young, Hyo-Joo Choo, Jeon Yu-hyeong, Park Soo-Jeong.