Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Port Moresby: There can be little doubt that 2016 has been a year to remember for women’s football in DPR Korea.
With memories of the North Koreans’ triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016 still fresh in the memory, the country tasted yet more success on Saturday at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea.
Boasting the most prolific attack at the tournament thanks to their 21 goals, DPR Korea were truly in a class of their own - a world class pedigree that was there for all to see in their 3-1 final defeat of France.
Their success in Port Moresby was undoubtedly a combination of many things - superb development, an attack-minded approach and a remarkable mental resolve that saw the East Asians remain unbeaten throughout their run to the title.
That durability - that ability to withstand immense pressure - was never more in evidence than when Spain and USA took them to extra-time in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, and also when France opened the scoring in the final.
DPR Korea are now proud two-time U-20 Women’s World Cup champions, having lifted their first title in 2006 thanks to a 5-0 win over China, a scoreline that remains the highest the competition has seen in the final.
The young Chollima ladies are the only team to have lifted the trophy aside from the USA and Germany. It is quite an achievement.
“It’s a feat that’s never been achieved before,” said a clearly delighted head coach Hwang Yong-bong after his side’s win in the final.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/prk_jubilant_2_jpg.html
