Bell: “We know the importance of the game against Morocco…we have to get it right”

After leading the South Korean women’s national soccer team to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand, head coach Colleen Bell has emphasized the need to focus on the “decisive moments” ahead of their match against Morocco.

“We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s game,” Bell said at a press conference at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium 텍사스홀덤 ahead of their second Group H match against Morocco. We’re very aware of the importance of the game.”

He also emphasized that the team has put the pain of the loss to Colombia behind them.

“Everyone was disappointed after the Colombia game. The players, the coaching staff, the fans, I’m sure,” Bell said. “Over the last few years, we’ve changed the perception of the women’s soccer team, and I think that’s led to a lot of expectations.”

“We’ve got our confidence back, and we have to make sure we don’t make the same mistakes,” he continued, “We can’t be disappointed for three or four days straight. You can’t be disappointed for three or four days. You have to come back for a few hours.”

“The game goes on. In three or four days, the game will come again, and that’s soccer.”

The team lost their first game 2-0 to Colombia on Friday, dimming their hopes of reaching the round of 16 for the first time in eight years since Canada 2015.

With Germany and Colombia with one point apiece, they need a win against Morocco to keep their hopes of reaching the round of 16 alive.

Morocco (72nd) has the lowest FIFA ranking in Group H.

In their first appearance at the tournament, the Moroccans were thrashed 6-0 in their first match against second-ranked Germany.

Bell emphasized that Morocco’s crushing defeat against Germany will not be a factor.

“A lot of teams lose when they play Germany. “Germany is one of the strongest teams in the world,” he said. “Their coach has a lot of experience. I think they will have practiced well for a few days.”

Bell urged his players to focus on the “decisive moments”.

“If you look at the games at this World Cup, they’re very competitive and can go either way,” he said, “China, England, Denmark, Haiti, they’re very competitive, so it’s important to get it right in the crucial moments.”

He then reflected on the handball foul on Shim Seo-yeon (Suwon FC) that led to the first goal against Colombia.

“I don’t understand why the penalty was awarded and the replay wasn’t reviewed,” Bell said.

He also reflected on the second goal, which came after a mistake by goalkeeper Young-gl Yoon (BK Hecken): “There was a mistake and Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid) scored and I think we did a good job. It’s a new game, so we’ll go in with a new approach.”

“We analyzed Morocco, and I think we found the right answers,” she continued.

South Korea’s women’s soccer team hasn’t won a World Cup since 2015, when they beat Spain 2-1 in their final group game in Canada.

A win over Morocco would be their first of the tournament and only their second in World Cup history.

Bell reiterated that the players have what it takes to win a World Cup.