Korea shine in opening game of Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup
|Germany took on hosts South Korea in the opening match of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup. Image: Anita Milas
The Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup got underway with a bang as host nation South Korea earned a well-deserved victory over Germany in the opening fixture.
With players from the other 40 nations and the public cheering on enthusiastically from the stands within the majestic surroundings of the Track and Field stadium at Seoul’s Hanyang University, South Korea ran out 4-0 winners after a cagey first half which saw only one goal.
The honour of scoring what was the first goal at this year’s event - the 19th edition of the tournament - fell to Fossi Wandi, who slotted home a rebounded shot past the Germany goalkeeper after missing a penalty just a minute earlier.
|Fossi Wandji (left) scored the opening goal at the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup. Image: Anita Milas
Despite going ahead in the match, South Korea failed to capitalise on their good play, missing a string of chances - including a second penalty. With Germany camped out mostly in their own half, two fantastic saves in quick succession from their goalkeeper denied South Korea the chance to extend their lead prior to half time. Then, as half-time approached, Germany themselves missed a golden opportunity to level the game following a quickly-worked free-kick.
South Korea upped the ante early in the second half, finding the net twice in quick succession, before Germany missed a penalty for the chance to half South Korea’s lead. An impressive passing move led to South Korea scoring their fourth goal of the game. The post then denied South Korea what would have been a deserved fifth goal, before some great South Korea defending denied Germany the chance to get off the mark in the tournament.
Speaking after their victory, coach Paul Lee said: “I’m very happy. Our first match was tense with all the people watching. Our players were a little nervous. It was a hard game but we won. Germany were a good team but I think we could have scored more. The win gives us confidence and we will keep going.”
Meanwhile, South Korea player Fossi Wandji spoke of his joy at helping his team secure a victory in their opening fixture thanks to his impressive performance.
He said: “I’m happy because we won the game and I’m happy with how the team played. After I scored and my teammates scored I wanted to defend to make sure we won the game.
“I think we will get better in our second match. I hope we can win the next game and go on to win the Homeless World Cup.”