North Korea - Japan 3-1: Defeating the defending champions

The Japanese women's team arrived in Incheon as the reigning Asian Games and world champions. But after their defeat to North Korea in yesterday's final, that status has been lost.

North Korea has asserted that they are currently the number one women's football team in Asia.

Previously, Norio Sasaki's team had a very smooth path. They reached the final with almost no obstacles. After a draw with China in the opening group stage match, they had four consecutive victories against much weaker opponents (Taiwan, Jordan, Hong Kong, Vietnam), scoring 27 goals and conceding none. In contrast, North Korea faced many difficulties in the knockout round with narrow victories against China (1-0) and South Korea (2-1).

But smooth sailing is a dangerous trap, while difficulties are necessary for tempering. And the match at Incheon Munhak Stadium last night was a testament to that. Having become accustomed to strong challenges, North Korea was the much better team at the start. In contrast, the girls from the Land of the Rising Sun lacked ideas in their game plan and were caught off guard by their opponents' close-marking and fluid style of play.

In the 12th minute, North Korea took a relatively fortunate lead. Midfielder Kim Yunmi's shot from inside the penalty area deflected slightly off a Japanese defender, leaving goalkeeper Kaihori Ayumi completely helpless. However, North Korea's second goal, making it 2-0, was truly impressive. Receiving a long pass of over 40 meters from their own half, captain Ra Unsim sprinted powerfully before beating the goalkeeper with a diagonal shot.

Just four minutes after that goal, Japan rekindled hopes of a comeback thanks to captain Miyama Aya. But as the match neared its end, their efforts were dashed by a courageous diving header from Ho Unbyol. It's worth remembering that Ho Unbyol scored the only goal against China in the quarter-finals and sealed the spectacular comeback against South Korea in the semi-finals with a finish in the third minute of added time.

To be fair, this wasn't exactly a surprising achievement for North Korea, as they've never been intimidated by Japan on the continental stage. They won the 2002 Asian Games gold medal after defeating China, then the number one women's football power in Asia. Four years later, they successfully defended their gold medal after beating Japan on penalties. The 0-1 defeat to Japan in Guangzhou four years ago only fueled North Korea's desire for revenge.

It's a shame that a team like that couldn't qualify for the 2015 World Cup (because their seniors were involved in doping scandals at the 2011 World Cup). But that's okay, North Korea has proven that they deserve to be the number one power in Asian women's football.

According to Thethaovanhoa.vn