Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Hamedan: DPR Korea joined hosts Iran amongst the winners of the Monday's fixtures of AFC U-14 Championship following their 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia at the Hajibabai Stadium.
Kim Pom-hyok's audacious effort in the 30th minute followed by a solo show from striker Peak Chung-song in the second half sealed the win for the Koreans, who joined Iran at the top of the table with the hosts leading the way on goal difference.
"We were excellent as a team but some brilliant individual efforts gave us the win," DPR Korea coach Kim Chol Jin told reporters.
"The Saudis are a good side but our goal was to win the match and keep on winning.
"We watched Iran's match today and they look pretty good but we will prepare ourselves properly to face them in the next match. We will try to beat them technically and tactically," he added.
Saudi Arabia had a better first half but a lapse in concentration allowed DPR Korea to go in front after Kim saw Saudi keeper Nahar Faisal Aluami well advanced and tried an audacious shot from almost the centre line which landed at the back of Saudi's net in the 30th minute.
"It was a match of two halves, one belonged to us and the second belonged to them," Saudi coach Omar Abdulla said after the match.
"Obviously, we were chasing the match and run out of fuel in the second half but I don't think that as a lack of stamina.
"We still have two matches to go and still have chances to qualify to the knockout stages so we will try our best.
Peak's solo effort was equally mesmerising in the 51st minute as he single-handedly dribbled past three Saudi defenders before chipping the ball over advancing keeper Aluami .
"This competition is related to our pride and we are determined to win the tournament," goalscorer and captain Kim said.
DPR Korea lock horns against hosts Iran on Wednesday at the same venue after Saudi Arabia face Timor-Leste in the earlier match.