'Casey Fair's equalizing goal' Women's National Team draws 1-1 with Zambia... FIFA Series ends 'without a win' with 1 draw and 2 losses, finishing 3rd

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korean women's national football team ultimately failed to sound the victory horn.

Led by coach Shin Sang-woo, the Korean women's national football team drew 1-1 with Zambia in the final third match of the 'FIFA Series 2026', held on the 19th (Korea time) at Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil.

After suffering heavy defeats against Brazil 1-5 in the first match and Canada 1-3 in the second match, Korea concluded the tournament in third place with 1 draw and 2 losses (1 point, goal difference -6) by drawing today. While tied with Zambia in points, Korea held a three-goal advantage in goal difference.

The 'FIFA Series', a friendly tournament directly organized by FIFA to activate intercontinental exchange, officially launched this year after a pilot run in 2024. The women's division of this tournament is held in four countries: Brazil, Côte d'Ivoire, Thailand, and Kenya. Korea was invited by Brazil, the host of next year's Women's World Cup.

Today, Korea made seven changes to its starting lineup compared to the previous match against Canada, placing greater emphasis on defensive stability.

However, the tight flow was broken in the 26th minute of the first half. Choi Min-a committed a foul while blocking Freestars Chilupa inside the penalty box, conceding a penalty kick. Zambia's striker, Barbara Banda, calmly scored the opening goal as the designated kicker.

Korea launched a counterattack and equalized in stoppage time of the first half. Choo Hyo-joo passed the ball forward from near the left side of the halfway line, which Casey Eugene Fair received to instantly break through the defensive backline. Fair, who also bypassed the advancing goalkeeper, scored with a bold shot from the left outside the penalty box.

Korea launched a relentless offensive by making a total of seven major substitutions around the end of the first half and the start of the second half. However, due to a lack of finishing power in front of the goal, no additional goals were scored.

In the 36th minute of the second half, Son Hwa-yeon shook the net with a potential equalizing goal, but it was ruled offside, leaving a sense of regret.

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*This content was translated by AI.