Early goal affected game plan says DPR Korea coach Yon

Amadou Haidara put Yon’s side on the back foot with just eight minutes at the Estadio Fiscal played before two Sidiki Maiga goals either side of half time saw the North Koreans became the fourth and final Asian side to exit the tournament following Korea Republic and Australia’s respective Round of 16 defeats to Belgium (2-0) and Nigeria (6-0) and Syria’s failure to get beyond the Group Stage.

"Our plan was to stop the offence of Mali from the beginning as we know how strong the strikers are but unfortunately we conceded an early goal,” said Yon, who tempered the disappointment of seeing their Chile 2015 campaign come to a premature end by insisting that his young charges gave a positive account of themselves during their time in South America.

“My players improved from match to match. This is only another step on their way in football. They learned a lot because we played against teams from America and Africa. They got many important experiences. The players will play in older age groups. This World Cup will help them."

Meanwhile, Mali coach Baye Ba said that the North Koreans made his side work hard for the victory that set up a quarter-final clash with Croatia but were ultimately worthy winners.

"It was a perfect match from our side but it was also a tough game. We had some difficulties as we received some yellow cards,” he said.

“Congratulations to my team. Korea had a good game with quick players but we played better. Our individual skills brought us the victory. 

“We are happy that we are now in the next round. The team is here to win the title but we will do it step by step. This was also our last match in Talca and I want to say thank you. 

“We will take some great memories with us and we met new friends. I never watched a game of Croatia but I’m looking forward to analyse their match against Germany.”

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