North beats South to make final in women's football
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Members of the North Korean female football team raise their hands in an expression of gratitude to fans, who supported both Koreas, after beating South Korea 2-1 in their semifinal match at the Munhak Stadium in Incheon, Monday. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
By Nam Hyun-woo
INCHEON _ North Korean substitute striker Ho Un-byol scored the winner in the 93rd minute to end a highly competitive inter-Korean women’s football match 2-1, Monday.
With the victory at the Munhak Stadium in Incheon, the North Koreans got a ticket to the final against Japan on Oct. 1.
The showdown was a full display of open, attacking and entertaining football, which deserved more than the 7,500 audiences support for both sides.
Many fans supported both Koreas, cheering the footballers after the thrilling match. The North Korean team rushed toward the fans, who chanted “one Korea” throughout the game, and bowed and raised their hands to express gratitude _ a rare moment produced by the athletes of the reclusive country.
As in previous Asiad games, North Korea, ranked world No. 11, had strength in pressing from the front line and showed a rapid transition between offense and defense and dominated the South, ranked 17th, although they conceded the first goal in the first half.
To cope with the strong opponents, the South came up with an offense-focused tactics, sending out three forwards, including Chelsea Ladies FC star Ji So-yun.
In the 11th minute, Jung Seol-bin opened the scoring with a dipping free kick from 30 meters out. The ball dropped below the North's goalkeeper Hong Myung-hui and gave the South an unexpected early lead.
From then on, however, the North Koreans staged a fierce offense.
In the 20th minute, teenage striker Wi Jong-sim threatened the South with a powerful shot outside of the penalty box, which struck the crossbar.
Minutes later, Jon Myong-hwa hit the post, when she struck a deflected ball.
In 35th minute, the North managed to tie the game, with Ri Ye-gyong tapping in a low cross from the right flank following a fake by Ra Un-sim that fooled the goalkeeper.
With the goal, the North picked up momentum and pressed the South Koreans, although several opportunities were denied by the latter’s defense.
From the 60th minute, the South started to control the game, exploiting the North's advanced defense line with through balls.
Ji and midfielder Jeon Gae-ul created several chances with passes, but the North's goalkeeper Hong tightly defended her goalmouth.
With some 10 minutes remaining, both sides shared several chances, with the North's Ho and the South's Ji testing goalies.
In the 88th minute, Ji launched a powerful shot that hit the North's crossbar, after dribbling through three defenders. It was the last chance for the South Koreans, who were close to clinching their first appearance to the Asiad final.
The South will take on Vietnam in the 3rd-place match on Oct. 1. Hours later, the North will compete with Japan for gold.