Women’s AFC: Korea DPR 2-1 China

June 15, 2008

Korea DPR beat out China 2-1 in the final of the 2008 AFC Women’s Championship, regaining the title the lost to Asian rivals China two years ago. Japan also edged out Australia to place third.

China initially took the lead through a strike by Bi Yan in the 11th minute, but Korea DPR captain Ri Kum-Suk eventually equalised in the 57th, Ri’s seventh goal to top the tournament scoring chart. Dominating for the rest of the match, Korea finally sealed the victory eleven minutes later through Kim Yong-Ae, who scored from a rebound.

“We got the victory because we showed plenty of spirit and technical ability,” said a calm Korea DPR coach Kim Kwang-Min. ” This campaign was very good preparation for the Olympic Games, as we will be in high-level company in August.”

China coach Shang Ruihua, however, was not disappointed. “I believe we are going in the right direction, and we will improve before the Olympic Games,” Shang concluded.

Other stars of the AFC tournament included Japan’s Homare Sawa, a creative midfielder who played a pivotal role for her country, and was crowned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Coach Norio Sasaki, however, wanted to focus importance on the entire Japanese squad. “We now look towards the Olympics, and I believe this tournament has been good for us,” he said. “While our older players proved the consistent performers, I am very happy at how the younger players have grown.”

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