Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated both DPR Korea after they came from behind to secure a 3-1 win over France - clinching their second FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title in the process - and third-place finishers Japan, for their excellent performances in Papua New Guinea.
Shaikh Salman said: “DPR Korea had a magnificent tournament, showing real stamina with their consistently high-level performances, culminating in today’s final victory over France. Also, Japan did the continent proud with their third place finish, winning a tough match against the USA.
“I am very happy and impressed to see DPR Korea and Japan continue to fly the AFC flag high, following on from their women’s teams’ brilliant performances at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan.”
Fourteen players from both the DPR Korea and France squads faced each other at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup four years ago when France defeated DPR Korea on penalties. The DPR Korea players however managed to reverse their fortunes in the showdown at Port Moresby's National Football Stadium.
DPR Korea’s impressive run in the tournament saw the team win all six of their matches, registering 21 goals and conceding only seven in the process.
On the night, France pulled ahead early on, but DPR Korea equalised on the half-hour mark and then scored at either end of the second half to seal their first title at this level in a decade.
In the day’s earlier match for third place, Japan clinched a vital 1-0 victory over the USA courtesy of Mami Ueno, whose spectacular looping effort, three minutes from full-time also helped her clinched her fifth goal and the tournament’s Golden Boot award. Meanwhile, Japan’s Hina Sugita captured the Golden Ball, which is presented to the tournament’s most outstanding player.
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