DPRK - Japan 3-1: Knocking down the champion

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

North Korea have asserted that they are currently the number 1 women's football team in Asia.

Before that, the road for Norio Sasaki and his team was very smooth. They reached the final without encountering any obstacles. After the draw with China in the opening round of the group stage, they won 4 consecutive matches against much weaker opponents (Taiwan, Jordan, Hong Kong, Vietnam), scoring 27 goals and conceding none. On the contrary, the DPRK encountered many difficulties in the knockout round with narrow victories against China (1-0) and South Korea (2-1).

But flatness is a terrible trap, while difficulties are necessary training. And the match at Incheon Munhak Stadium last night was a proof. Having become accustomed to strong tests, the DPRK was the team that entered the game much better, on the contrary, the girls from the land of the rising sun showed a lack of ideas in developing the game, as well as being surprised by the opponent's close and coherent playing style.

In the 12th minute, the DPRK had a relatively lucky opening goal. Midfielder Kim Yunmi's shot in the penalty area slightly hit the foot of a Japanese defender, leaving goalkeeper Kaihori Ayumi completely helpless. However, in the situation of increasing the score to 2-0 for the DPRK, everyone had to admire. Receiving a long pass of more than 40m from the home field, captain Ra Unsim accelerated strongly before defeating the opposing goalkeeper with a diagonal kick.

Just four minutes after conceding that goal, Japan had hopes of a comeback thanks to captain Miyama Aya. But as the match drew to a close, their efforts were dashed by a brave diving header from Ho Unbyol. It should be recalled that it was Ho Unbyol who scored the only goal against China in the quarter-finals, and sealed the dramatic comeback against South Korea in the semi-finals with a finish in the third minute of stoppage time.

To be fair, this is not exactly a surprising achievement for the DPRK, because they have never been afraid of Japan in the continental arena. They won the gold medal at the 2002 Asian Games after defeating the number 1 women's football power in Asia at that time, China. Four years later, they successfully defended the gold medal after defeating Japan on penalties. The 0-1 defeat to Japan in Guangzhou four years ago only fueled the DPRK's will for revenge.

It is a pity that such a team could not participate in the 2015 World Cup (because their seniors were caught doping at the 2011 World Cup). But that's okay, the DPRK has affirmed that they are worthy of being the number 1 power in Asian women's football.

According to Thethaovanhoa.vn