Group E: Brazil | South Korea | Spain | Costa Rica
South Korea failed to advance past the group stage in its lone previous Women's World Cup appearance in 2003, but that trend may change in Canada.
The journey
It took the Taeguk Ladies just two lopsided wins to earn a place in Canada: a 12-0 annihilation of Myanmar in their Women's Asian Cup opener last May and a 4-0 victory over Thailand. After its third group game, a draw with China, South Korea didn't fare as well in the knockout rounds: losses to Australia in the semifinals and in a rematch with China in the third-place match -- a disappointing end to a tournament that began so brightly. Nonetheless, South Korea's consolation prize is a return to the global stage for the first time since 2003.
World Cup history
A look at how South Korea has fared in previous tournaments:
The rep
Despite being young and green, South Korea undoubtedly has talent. The team is as gifted on the ball as any other side in the field, and while these players have no senior World Cup experience, many have performed well on a big stage: In 2010, the South Korea U20s (starring current striker Ji So-Yun) finished third and the U17s (with striker Yeo Minji) finished first in their World Cups. But this isn't a particularly physical team, so while South Korea will cause lesser teams problems, it doesn't match up well against imposing Western-style teams, such as group favorite Brazil.
Projected formation
South Korea is expected to use a 4-4-2 lineup:
The question
Can star forward Ji So-Yun carry the team? Manager Yoon Dukyeo has a legitimate all-world talent in Ji. One of two foreign-based players on his squad, Ji is a 24-year-old Seoul-born maestro who last year was named top player in England's Women's Super League, where she plays for Chelsea Ladies. But she'll need support. Look for Yoon to help Ji by trying to outnumber teams in the middle of the field.
World rankings
South Korea peaked at 17th overall in last year's FIFA world rankings:
Group-stage schedule
South Korea's first two matches will be played at Olympic Stadium in Montreal, while the third match will be held at Lansdowne Stadium in Ottawa:
• June 9: Brazil, 7 p.m. ET
• June 13: Costa Rica, 7 p.m. ET
• June 17: Spain, 7 p.m. ET
Foudy's take
With new coach Yoon Dukyeo and star midfielder Ji So-Yun leading the way, a more organized South Korea squad will get through Group E with the third-place spot. But the team will be hard-pressed to go deep in this tournament. Ji, who plays for Chelsea FC in the English FA Women's Super League, has had great success in England, but will be surrounded by a young team with little big-game experience.
Social scene
South Korea's Yeo out of Women's World Cup - Yahoo Sports http://t.co/8BANUiNgNb #wwc2015 pic.twitter.com/YyzegFyC3k
- Womens Soccer (@Womens_Soccer_) May 18, 2015
