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DPR Korea beat Japan, Korea to move on Defending champions Korea Republic were sent tumbling out of the AFC U-17 Championship on September 12, Sunday, as they went down 1-0 in their quarter-final meeting with northern neighbours DPR Korea.
Korea Republic went into their match at the Fujeida Stadium as heavy favourites after strolling through the opening round group stage with three consecutive wins, 12 goals scored and none conceded. However, DPR Korea, who scraped into the last eight after edging out hosts Japan on goal difference, took the match to their rivals in the opening half. The North Koreans dominated proceedings with their incisive short passes and hit the woodwork before taking the lead in the 37th minute through Pak Chul-min. Korea Republic battled to get back into the match after the break but were let down by poor finishing as midfielder Go Yo-han and striker Lee Chung-yong both shot wide from close range. “The team is very happy with this great win,” said DPR Korea coach Yeo Se-jin. “But it was a great match as both teams played entertaining soccer with plenty of chances that entertained the spectators.” “In football, luck plays a big part,” said rival coach Robert Alberts. “DPR Korea were the better side in the first half but in the second we had our chances. That is football and the positive side of the game was there for all to see today. There were plenty of thrills and excitement until the end.” DPR Korea will meet Qatar in the semi-finals on Wednesday in Kusanagi. |
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