DPR Korea will hold the psychological edge going into the showdown at the Estadio El Campin, having defeated Japan to lift the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024 title in March.
DPR Korea’s focus to add a third world title to the ones won in 2006 and 2016 has been steadfast since they kicked off their campaign with a 6-2 defeat of Argentina in Group F.
That was followed by victories against Costa Rica (9-0) and the Netherlands (2-0) while Austria’s challenge in the Round of 16 was easily seen off with a 5-2 win.
The quarter-final against Brazil was a much tougher test but Chae Un Yong’s strike took them through while Choe Il Son was their matchwinner against the United States in the semi-finals.
Up next are Japan and DPR Korea, said Chae, determined to upstage their Asian rivals again.
“We are just one match away from being world champions and it is an amazing feeling. If we are to become champions then that would mean that we have done a wonderful thing for our homeland. It would mean that we have brought great honour to our homeland, that’s the most important thing,” said right winger Chae, the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024 MVP.
“I’m very proud that the team have made it this far because our key quality is our teamwork. Only when we play completely as a team, with a total level of unity, can we then have success.
“Of course, Japan are very strong, technically good, and control the tempo of matches. But we have already played them at the Asian Cup and, if we play now as we did then, I’m confident we can win the title,” added Chae, who will go into the final with three goals to her credit, two behind teammate Choe, Japan’s Maya Hijikata and Brazil’s Vendito.
While DPR Korea are chasing a third title in their fourth appearance in the decider of the global showpiece, Japan will be seeking their second, having emerged champions in 2018 and runners-up two year ago.
Manaka Matsukubo said Japan are determined to not slip again after having surrendered their title to Spain in 2022.
“I think everyone is tired, but we have only one game left that we can play together with this squad, so the tiredness doesn’t mean anything. Everyone will run for the team, and we definitely want to win,” said the attacking midfielder who has netted three goals so far.
While Japan have scored a total of 18 goals over the course of the tournament – second only to DPR Korea – and only conceded twice, Matsukubo still sees room for improvement.
“We think we can score more goals and concede less goals. We are aiming higher. In the final, we need to make sure we play a perfect game, so we can win it. Arriving at this point, everyone is full of confidence. Winning the tournament is our only target now,” said Matsukubo, who netted both goals in the semi-final against the Netherlands.
Japan’s passage to the final was also relatively smooth as they topped Group E with victories over New Zealand (7-0), Ghana (4-1) and Austria (2-0).
Nigeria were beaten 2-1 in the Round of 16, revenge exacted in a 1-0 extra time defeat of Spain in the quarter-finals before a professional performance saw off the Netherlands in a 2-0 win in the semi-finals.
