Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Amman: Ri Hae-yon scored a hat-trick as DPR Korea defeated Nigeria 3-0 to finish top of Group C at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Jordan 2016 and progress to the quarter-final stage unbeaten.
Hot-shot Ri bagged a first-half double before notching her third on 83 minutes, bringing her tally to four goals in two games, as DPR Korea capped off a commanding victory at the Amman International Stadium.
Nigeria started brightly with Rasheedat Ajibade, a menace throughout the opening 45 minutes with her blistering pace, forcing Ok Kum-ju to make a number of early stops.
Despite early pressure from Nigeria, it was DPR Korea who took the lead on the half-hour mark. Ko Kyong-hui made a tackle on the halfway line and sent a long pass over the Nigeria defence, where Ri got onto the end of the bouncing ball and fired past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
DPR Korea then doubled their advantage shortly before the break through Ri’s second of the day, who capped off a well-worked team move by slotting home from close range.
Ri then completed her hat-trick on 83 minutes after receiving Kim Jong-sim's free-kick in the area and slotting a side-footed effort past Nnadozie.
DPR Korea coach Sin Jong Bok
I would like to say that Nigeria is one of the top teams in FIFA competitions and in all of world football. Our group was tough. Each team in our group was a top team. Before we arrived here we had no information on these teams. But once here, we could focus on our opponents by watching their matches carefully and talking among our coaching staff. I think this really helped us qualify for the next phase. Just like we tried to focus against Nigeria on counter-attacking football, we will continue to keep focusing on our opponents' playing style,
Nigeria coach Nikyu Bala
In football you must have a winner and a loser and, in the spirit of the game, if you lose, you take it. Football is like that. If you conceded goals, you conceded goals. The journey has been cut short for many teams. Many teams are leaving Jordan by Monday. For us, it's not about feeling bad. We have taken part in the World Cup and that is a wonderful experience. For most of the players, this was a new experience for them. A new and great experience. Next time, they can be better.
Sources: FIFA.com, FIFA/Getty Images