Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Pyongyang: DPR Korea powered to a 4-0 victory over Uzbekistan to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018, and effectively ending the Central Asian’s chances of joining Asia’s elite next year.
A brace each from Sung Hyang-sim and Kim Yun-mi ensured the host nation ended their Group B campaign with ten points from their four games and a goal difference of plus-17. The pressure now mounts on rivals Korea Republic, who now not only need maximum points from their final two matches against Hong Kong and Uzbekistan, but will also have to win by a combined total of eight clear goals if they are to seal top spot in the group and a qualifying ticket.
On a day of high drama, DPR Korea’s clinical finishing was superbly complemented by a steadfast display in defence against an inspired Uzbekistan side eager to create an upset in Pyongyang.
DPR Korea coach Kim Kwang-min made two changes from his side’s 1-1 draw with Korea Republic, opting to play Ju Hyo-sim and Choe Un-ju instead of Kim Yum-mi and Ri Hyang Sim. Sung Hyang-sim, who grabbed the crucial goal against the Taeguk Ladies, was also preferred instead of first-team regular Ho Un-byol.
The decision almost paid early dividends when the diminutive striker broke free in the seventh minute to feed Kim Phyong-hwa who directed her attempt straight into the arms of Laylo Tilovova.
A minute later, Kim Un-ha blazed a header over the bar from a sublime Ju Hyo-sim corner, before the omnipresent Sung Hyang-sim supplied a perfect pass to Ri Kyong-hyang who squandered the chance with only Tilovova to beat on 12 minutes.
The lack of composure saw Ri Kyong-hyang almost immediately replaced by Kim Yun-mi, a change that proved to be a masterstroke when the substitute fired home in the 28th minute following some excellent work down the left by Kim Phyong-hwa.
Uzbekistan responded with a rare foray into the DPR Korea, Maluda Munavarova finding Lyudmila Karachik, the striker’s attempt was however dealt with comfortably by custodian Kim Myong-sun.
DPR Korea came close to doubling their lead shortly before the break, this time Kim Phyong-hwa, surging forward and weaving her way past three Uzbek defenders, before unleashing a shot that lacked the power to trouble Tilovova.
DPR Korea began the second half with the same high tempo, the home side surging forward in search of a second goal with substitute Choe Kum-ok getting on the end of Wi Jong-sim’s corner, only for the substitute to scuff her effort wide.
The home side finally doubled their advantage goal eight minutes after the break. Wi Jong-sim’s corner found a towering Kim Un-ha who beat Tilovova to the ball which then fell kindly to Sung Hyang-sim who made no mistake from close range.
Two became three for DPR Korea in the 65th minute, this time Sung Hyang-sim defelcting Choe Un-ju’s free-kick past Tilovova at the near post.
With a three-goal cushion, the home side were clearly in a confident mood and, spurred on by another capacity crowd, Kim Yun-mi timed her injury time run to perfection before connecting with a Ho Un-byol pass to seal the victory in style.
With DPR Korea's campaign now at an end, their fate now rests in the hands of Korea Republic who face Hong Kong later today and Uzbekistan on the final Matchday on Tuesday.
DPR Korea Head Coach Kim Kwang-min:
“We had to score many goals today, but our players were too nervous and over-excited so I think we failed. But this match was a good learning experience for our players. We have many new players in the team, many of who are inexperienced, and these matches are giving me a good indication of the players who can make the cut.”
Uzbekistan coach Babakulov Sherali:
“I would like to congratulate DPR Korea for their victory. I think we chose the right strategy in this game. We had a few decent chances but unfortunately could not make the best of them.”
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