Shooting Stars Episode 196: FC National Team Family Triumphs Over FC One the Woman in Nail-Biting GIFA Cup Semifinal
Introduction: A Semifinal Showdown for the Ages
In the heart-pounding Shooting Stars Episode 196, the GIFA Cup semifinals delivered drama, skill, and raw emotion as FC One the Woman faced off against FC National Team Family. This wasn't just a match—it was a clash of titans, with star players like Mashima and Ha Yan trading blows in a battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. In the end, FC National Team Family secured a 3-1 victory, earning their spot in the finals against FC World Class. If you're searching for Shooting Stars Episode 196 highlights, key goals, or player interviews, this recap has it all!
Quick Match Stats:
- Final Score: FC National Team Family 3 - 1 FC One the Woman
- Goals: Min Ji (2), Ha Yan (1) for National Team; Mashima (1) for One the Woman
- Man of the Match: Ha Yan (10 goals in 10 straight games!)
- Attendance: Packed stands with family cheers echoing throughout
Pre-Match Hype: Pride, Promises, and Personal Vendettas
The episode kicked off with electric tension. Coach Ji Hoon of FC National Team Family reflected on a humiliating 0-6 loss three years ago to Coach Jae Jin's team, vowing, "There are no more tears left in me now. So this time, I'll do my best to make him shed some tears." Ouch! Meanwhile, FC One the Woman's Mashima, fresh off her birthday, exchanged nervous messages with Ha Yan: "I'm nervous for Tuesday." Both aces promised an "exciting game."
Key storylines included:
- Mashima vs. Ha Yan: The "titan controls the match." Mashima's unpredictable dribbles faced Ha Yan's steel physique and sharp passes.
- Big Yu Mi's Rise: After a hat-trick in the quarters, Yu Mi aimed to be the "hidden ace," declaring, "I'll play hard and make Mashima's job easier."
- Family Support: Ha Yan's mom and brother in the stands added heartwarming vibes, with cheers like "Go, Mommy!" for Seung Hee.
Coach Jae Jin's bold semifinal draw pick—"FC National Team Family looks the weakest even to me"—stung, fueling National Team's fire: "We'll show it on the field."
First Half: Tense Build-Up and Min Ji's Thunderbolt
The whistle blew, and it felt like a final from minute one. FC National Team Family dominated possession, missing three golden chances inside the box—Mi Hae's shots blocked heroically by KISUM. "They could've scored three goals already!" lamented the commentators.
FC One the Woman struggled with Mashima looking "a bit off her game" under aggressive pressing. But the breakthrough came at the 25-minute mark: Min Ji, the "F1 player," unleashed a cannon shot that ripped past the keeper. 1-0! Families erupted—Dad and Mom beaming with pride.
Highlights:
- Ha Yan's flawless defending: "She's made of steel."
- Yu Mi vs. Seung Hee: Intense body checks like "Zhang Fei in the Battle of Changban."
- Timeout Drama: Coach Cho urged, "We lack finishing. If we can score just one goal now, we can control the game."
Halftime score: 1-0. National Team's mentality and teamwork shone, but One the Woman vowed, "We're going to win and make it to the final."
Second Half: Wonder Goals, Desperate Saves, and a Clincher
Post-break, FC National Team Family struck early. Ha Yan curled a wonder goal from distance—her 10th in as many games! 2-0. "The curve was perfect, and the speed was perfect," gushed analysts.
FC One the Woman fought back fiercely. Seol Hee blocked two Ha Yan free kicks with her body—"It hit her stomach!"—earning hero status. Then, Mashima sparked hope: Her deflected shot off Ha Yan made it 2-1. "We never end a game without a goal!" cheered the bench.
But Min Ji sealed it in the dying minutes with a clinical finish after perfect buildup. 3-1! Ha Yan cramped up defending a late Mashima rocket, but Eun Mi's blocks held firm. Final whistle: Ecstasy for National Team, heartbreak for One the Woman.
Player Spotlights:
- Ha Yan (National Team): Flawless—interceptions, assists, and a golazo. "She's beyond perfection."
- Mashima (One the Woman): One goal, endless threat. "The moment she sees a gap, she turns it straight into a shot."
- Min Ji (National Team): Two goals, clutch performer. "That was a dopamine rush!"
- KISUM (One the Woman): Injury scare but heroic saves. "Human catapult" with long throws.
Post-Match Reactions: Tears, Triumph, and Teases
FC National Team Family celebrated with families: "The victory was thanks to you!" Coach Ji Hoon grinned, "I'm so proud... I really can't help but keep smiling." They proved doubters wrong, heading to their first GIFA Cup final since the super league.
For FC One the Woman, tears flowed. Mashima reflected, "Once I stepped onto the pitch, I realized it wasn't that simple... I'll come back stronger." A tough end, but their tenacity shone—scoring in every game since her April 2025 debut.
Next up: FC National Team Family vs. FC World Class in the final! Will Ha Yan's streak continue? Tune in for Episode 197.