North Korea celebrates their third goal from Ri Ui Gyong
North Korea and Japan set up a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco semi-final showdown after advancing from their respective last eight ties in contrasting fashion on Sunday.
North Korea cruised to a 3-0 win against the United States while Japan edged Ghana 1-0, with the two Asian heavyweights to meet on Wednesday.
China, meanwhile, exited the tournament after a 2-1 defeat to Brazil, who will meet Nigeria next.
North Korea 3-0 USA
Two-time reigning champions North Korea gave a timely reminder of their title ambitions to book their semi-final ticket.
Goalkeeper Avellina Saunders kept the United States in it to begin with, repelling a point-blank Yu Jong Hyang header with a superb save, before foiling her again from the penalty spot soon after.
She was, though, powerless to stop a low Ri Ui Gyong drive in the 30th minute.
Seeking a record-extending fifth title, DPR Korea doubled their lead in first half added time when Ri Ye Rim tiptoed her way inside the United States box and lashed home a second.
Ui Gyong then doubled her tally just before the hour-mark, turning home a terrific Kim Won Sim cross with a ferocious drive to net her fifth of this tournament and eighth overall.
Ghana 0-1 Japan
After being knocked out of the previous four tournaments at the last-eight stage, Japan made their long-awaited return to the semi-finals with a close victory over Ghana.
After a tightly contested opening half, Japan broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, when Nanami Kurita found the net after a ricocheted attempt by Yuka Kishida fell into her path close to goal.
Japan, who won the showpiece in 2014 and reached the final two years later, continued to attack and held on for victory, with Ghana struggling to impose themselves.
China 1-2 Brazil
China started strongly and looked set to open the scoring when a deep free-kick caused chaos in the Brazil box, but with goalkeeper Nathy stranded, Yasmin Queiroz made heroic blocks to deny Cai Xinlin and He Hanruo.
Brazil wouldn’t get so lucky next time, though, as a moment of individual brilliance shattered the deadlock.
Wu Yichen stole in behind Yasmin, before brushing past Sarah Coelho and releasing a powerful drive into the top-right corner.
Brazil flew out for the second half and drew level after just 42 seconds when Greise Kelly controlled in a crowded box and laid it off for Helena, who drilled in the equaliser.
After hitting the woodwork, Greise had a hand in the winner when her back-post cross fell to Helena, who once again made no mistake in smashing home.
