Korea DPR FIFA U20 Womens World Cup Champions (Post Courier 5/12/16)

Korea DPR U20 Womens team celebrating their 3-1 defeat of France in the FIFA  U20 Womens World Cup Papua New Guinea. Picture by Post Courier Photogrpaher Mark Talia

By FIDELIS SUKINA

Korea DPR is the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Champions in 2016 Papua New Guinea, after a come from behind 3-1 victory at the National Football Stadium.

It was a tough match with equal dominance in the first half both teams showed why they were in the final, with confident passing, open play, and organized defense.

It was France who scored their first goal in the 17th minute from a penalty kick, Maelle Garbino took the kick outside the 18 yard box that travelled straight to Korea DPR goal keeper Kim Myong Sun who pushed it back straight to a waiting Grace Geyoro to kick past the keeper.

France took the motivation of the goal to move forward with mid fielder Delphine Cascarino and forwards Carla Mateo and Grace Geyoro, attempting the Korea DPR goal mount.

But Korea DPR countered with forward Kim So Hyang breaking a set play by France, her 20 meter drive with the ball caused an opening to the left with Kim Phyong Hwa getting the pass before her impressive cross kick to the center for Wi Jong Sim to kick the equalizer.

The score remained 1-1 at half time with both teams having had 50% possession each in the first half, but Korea DPR showed their dominance in the second half, and got one over thanks to a header by Kim Phyong Hwa, causing the 14,752 plus crowd into frenzy.

By the 70th minute France showed signs of fatigue as Korea DPR sent in Number two Sung Hyang-Sim, the crowd favorite added the much needed speed and stamina in the frontline as a weakened France backline held their ground.

It was all over in the 87th minute when Jon So Yong was awarded a penalty goal within the 18yard box; her place kick saw a frustrated France Goal Keeper Mylene Chavas kick the posts after she couldn’t save the goal.

France tried to rally a last ditch effort in injury time but, their late attempts at goal by forwards Marie-Charlotte Leger, Laura Condon and Carla Mateo were saved by Korea DPR keeper Kim Myong Sun.

The win now sees Korea DPR with their second title as FIFA U20 Womens World Cup winners, after their first title win in their inaugural year in 2006.

Korea DPR 3 (W.JONG SIM 30' K.PHYONG HWA 55' J.SO YON 87' PEN)) beat France 1 (G. GEYORO17')