Spain beat North Korea in penalties
Goalkeeper Laia Lopez made two crucial saves in a shootout to help Spain clinch the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland title after defeating holders North Korea 4-3 on penalties on Sunday.
Spain and defending champions North Korea could not be separated in a tightly-contested decider. The game went to penalties, where Lopez saved efforts from Choe Yon A and finally Pak Il Sim as La Rojita claimed their second U-20 showpiece title following their triumph at Costa Rica 2022.
It is also the second global title in succession for Spain, whose senior men’s team won the FIFA World Cup 2026 in July.
In an evenly-fought clash, Lopez came to her side’s rescue in the opening half when she came off her line to block an effort from Ho Kyong with an outstretched hand after the Korean substitute picked up the ball just outside the area following a mistake by the La Rojita defence.
Ho had just come on for Pak Ok I, who has been one of North Korea’s star players during the tournament, late in the first half as a surprise tactical switch.
The balanced nature of the contest continued after the break, with Spain piling on the pressure. In the 78th minute, Pau Comendador forced an excellent diving save from Korean goalkeeper Pak Ju Gyong.
Spain forward Marisa Garcia made her presence felt shortly after coming into the field in extra time, where she had two excellent efforts brilliantly saved by Pak.
Many of these players on the field in Lodz took part in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024 final when North Korea won 4-3 on penalties.
Spain secured a sense of revenge as Lopez completed her glove story to continue their long-standing dominance of women’s football.
