North Korea beats Japan
Quickfire goals sent North Korea into the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland after they defeated reigning Asian champions Japan 2-0 on Thursday.
The Round of 16 win kept North Korea on the path to defend their title as they take on Canada – who ousted France 3-1 – on Sunday.
It was a very cagey first 45 minutes from the two sides, with North Korea applying most of the pressure.
Their intensity increased as every minute passed in the second half and it finally led to a breakthrough in the 65th minute.
A curling right-footed shot from Choe Chong Gum struck the far post and deflected in off the back of Japan’s Asako Furuta.
The 2024 champions wanted more, and four minutes later exquisite combination play between Ho Kyong and Choe Rim Jong set up Choe Yon A’s excellent right-footed finish to settle the contest.
ROUND OF 16 RESULTS
Colombia bt Poland 1-0; North Korea bt Japan 2-0; Nigeria bt England 3-0; Spain bt Portugal 2-0; Italy bt China 5-4 (1-1); Brazil bt USA 5-4 (1-1); South Korea bt Argentina 1-0
