Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Goa: Coach Yun Jong-su insists DPR Korea are getting better as the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 progresses after the defending champions squeezed past Oman 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Monday’s quarter-final to set up a semi-final date with the Islamic Republic of Iran on Thursday.
Yun Min missed a first-half penalty for the East Asians at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium before Muadh Al Jahdhami gave Oman the lead with 11 minutes remaining only for captain Kim Pom-hyok to head home the equaliser five minutes later and, with no extra-time at AFC U-16 level, send the match to penalties.
With Oman trailing 3-2 in the shootout Al Jahdhami hit the woodwork to allow Kim to fire his side into the last four as DPR Korea also confirmed their passage to the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India as one of the four highest-placed teams.
“Today was very tough but I think we were well prepared and played better compared to the last three matches,” said Yun Jong-su, who had earlier made two first-half substitutions.
“The changes were tactical. I expected more from Kim Hwi-hwang but he was not playing to my expectations so I decided to bring him off.
“We didn’t want them to score but when we conceded we had to change our strategy and put the emphasis on attack to find the equaliser.”