Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Chonburi: Japan and DPR Korea have historically dominated the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship, but Korea Republic remain the only team to ever lift the trophy in Thailand.
In 2009, Choi Duck-joo’s squad caused a major upset, beating reigning champions DPR Korea 4-0 in the final in Bangkok to claim what remains their only Asian title at this age level.
Eight years on, Korea Republic are back in the final for the first time since, and again they will face a title-defending DPR Korea – but the similarities don’t end there.
The class of 2009 also played and beat hosts Thailand in their second match in Group A, overcame Japan in the semi-final and even earned the same points tally in the group stage.
So, does current coach Hur Jung-jae believe destiny is in his team’s favour?
“I guess I didn’t do enough homework. I didn’t know all of that happened in 2009!” he laughed, before adding “but I did know that we won, and that we beat DPR Korea in the final.”
“I think the 2009 team is a very good example for our players now, and they can learn a lot from them.”
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/korea_actionsooo_jpg.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/hars_jung_jpg.html
