FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup
Two of the Asia's most dominant teams in women's football, DPR Korea defeated Japan 1-0 in the final of the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup Indonesia 2024.
DPR Korea followed up their continental triumph by going on to lift the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2024 title for a record third time and despite many new faces in the squad, there has been no let up in their form at Morocco 2025.
DPR Korea followed up their continental triumph by going on to lift the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2024 title for a record third time and despite many new faces in the squad, there has been no let up in their form at Morocco 2025.
Pak Song Jin's side enjoyed a perfect group stage - defeating Mexico, Netherlands and Cameroon, scoring nine goals and conceding only one.
In fact, the only real challenge they faced was against Cameroon, who took the lead but were then overwhelmed as DPR Korea turned on the power to walk away with a 2-1 win.
They produced another power show in the Round of 16, defeating Morocco 6-1 and head coach Pak believes his players are maturing with every match.
In fact, the only real challenge they faced was against Cameroon, who took the lead but were then overwhelmed as DPR Korea turned on the power to walk away with a 2-1 win.
They produced another power show in the Round of 16, defeating Morocco 6-1 and head coach Pak believes his players are maturing with every match.
"My players are very young, but I feel they improve match by match. Participating in this kind of tournament, which combines physical skill, tactical understanding, and mental strength, helps the players grow.
"It’s obvious that the players can still become even better," said Pak.
Nine of DPR Korea's goals so far have been scored by Yu Jong Hyang (five) and Kim Won Sim while Ri Kyong Im has contributed two, giving them plenty of options upfront.
"It’s obvious that the players can still become even better," said Pak.
Nine of DPR Korea's goals so far have been scored by Yu Jong Hyang (five) and Kim Won Sim while Ri Kyong Im has contributed two, giving them plenty of options upfront.
Japan, despite losing to DPR Korea in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Indonesia 2024 final, will not be lacking confidence in their bid to lift the trophy a second time.
They topped Group F with wins against New Zealand and Zambia and a stalemate with Paraguay, which was after they had sealed qualification and head coach Sadayoshi Shirai made numerous changes to his starting lineup.
They topped Group F with wins against New Zealand and Zambia and a stalemate with Paraguay, which was after they had sealed qualification and head coach Sadayoshi Shirai made numerous changes to his starting lineup.
Japan showed their quality in the Round of 16 4-0 win against Colombia and Shirai believes if his players can replicate their form, a place in the semi-finals is within reach.
"Colombia was a strong team, but we prepared even harder, and I believe that effort helped us secure the win. Colombia always fights hard in every game, said Shirai.
"Colombia was a strong team, but we prepared even harder, and I believe that effort helped us secure the win. Colombia always fights hard in every game, said Shirai.
"Our next match against DPR Korea will be very challenging because they're a very good team. Still, I hope Japan can play some great football and rise to that challenge."
Spearheading their challenge will be Noa Fukushima, with the midfielder on five goals and having scored in every match at Morocco 2025.
The victors will face either Brazil or Canada in the semi-finals on November 5.
Spearheading their challenge will be Noa Fukushima, with the midfielder on five goals and having scored in every match at Morocco 2025.
The victors will face either Brazil or Canada in the semi-finals on November 5.
DPR Korea v Japan
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium (Rabat)
Kick-off: 20:00 (UTC+1)
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium (Rabat)
Kick-off: 20:00 (UTC+1)
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images
