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AFC Women's Asian Cup
Ri decided to send on Ri Hak in place of Choe Il Son in the 31st minute and the switch paid off almost instantly with Hong Song Ok opening their account a minute later.
#WAC2026 | Playoff: Chinese Taipei 0-4 DPR Korea
“We created many chances and tried to score through shots and headers in the first 30 minutes, but it didn’t work out. I felt the issue was the lack of effective support from the wide areas and assisting play,” said Ri.
“That’s why I decided to make a substitution, bringing in a player who is strong in that aspect. It worked very well and it helped us score our first and second goals.”
Il Son went on to set up Song Ok for the second five minutes after the restart and DPR Korea never looked back as they went on to secure their spot in the global showpiece for the first time since 2011.
“That’s why I decided to make a substitution, bringing in a player who is strong in that aspect. It worked very well and it helped us score our first and second goals.”
Il Son went on to set up Song Ok for the second five minutes after the restart and DPR Korea never looked back as they went on to secure their spot in the global showpiece for the first time since 2011.
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“We were not successful in achieving our first objective (win the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ title) but we managed to secure the second today, which means we have qualified for the World Cup next year.
“This victory makes us very happy and I’m very pleased with the result. Watching the team’s performance today, I could see that our level has improved compared to previous matches.
“I’m delighted to see the progress we are making as we continue developing on our journey towards the World Cup.
“We participated in this tournament after more than 10 years. That gap has made us realise that despite our success at the U17 and U20 levels, the senior level is very different. We need more experience and we need key players to help us move forward successfully. That is one of the biggest lessons we have learned from this tournament.”
“This victory makes us very happy and I’m very pleased with the result. Watching the team’s performance today, I could see that our level has improved compared to previous matches.
“I’m delighted to see the progress we are making as we continue developing on our journey towards the World Cup.
“We participated in this tournament after more than 10 years. That gap has made us realise that despite our success at the U17 and U20 levels, the senior level is very different. We need more experience and we need key players to help us move forward successfully. That is one of the biggest lessons we have learned from this tournament.”
Hat-trick hero Song Ok highlighted her team’s collective effort for her standout performance.
“I appreciate all my teammates for giving their full effort to achieve our second objective, which was qualifying for the World Cup. We managed to do that today, and it’s very pleasing,” said the 23-year-old 4.25 SC midfielder.
“This is not only my success but my teammates – their cooperation, assists and support made it possible. It is a team achievement and I want to congratulate all my teammates as well.
“I’m very excited to be participating in my first World Cup. There are many things we need to improve, correct and refine to make our team stronger and more complete. We are now in a very ambitious mood and we will work even harder to strengthen the team and deliver better performances going forward.”
“I appreciate all my teammates for giving their full effort to achieve our second objective, which was qualifying for the World Cup. We managed to do that today, and it’s very pleasing,” said the 23-year-old 4.25 SC midfielder.
“This is not only my success but my teammates – their cooperation, assists and support made it possible. It is a team achievement and I want to congratulate all my teammates as well.
“I’m very excited to be participating in my first World Cup. There are many things we need to improve, correct and refine to make our team stronger and more complete. We are now in a very ambitious mood and we will work even harder to strengthen the team and deliver better performances going forward.”
Chinese Taipei head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor was proud of his players, insisting there were positives to take from the campaign as they look ahead of competing in the Inter-Confederation Playoffs later in 2026
“My players did very well, they showed fighting spirit and tried to follow our game plan,” said Chokemor. “But we're still on the path to qualifying for the World Cup next year. We will go back and continue working to improve ourselves.There is still a gap and we need to work hard and look ahead to the next challenge."
“My players did very well, they showed fighting spirit and tried to follow our game plan,” said Chokemor. “But we're still on the path to qualifying for the World Cup next year. We will go back and continue working to improve ourselves.There is still a gap and we need to work hard and look ahead to the next challenge."
“If we can have more possession, we can start to build better attacking patterns. We want to keep improving, playing with high pressing like Japan and Korea Republic and continue developing our style.
“Throughout the tournament, they did a good job. We survived a tough group stage and I think it was a good challenge to compete among the top teams in Asia. We competed well against Japan, we beat Vietnam, India and reached the semi-finals. I'm so proud of them.”
“Throughout the tournament, they did a good job. We survived a tough group stage and I think it was a good challenge to compete among the top teams in Asia. We competed well against Japan, we beat Vietnam, India and reached the semi-finals. I'm so proud of them.”
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