In a historic all-Asian final at the Estadio El Campin in Bogota, Colombia, North Korea secured their third FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Japan on Sunday.
This triumph equals the record for most titles in this prestigious youth tournament.
The tight match marked the fourth time in history that two Asian teams faced off in the final of a FIFA women's age-group tournament. It was also a rematch of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup final earlier this year, in which North Korea emerged victorious after a comeback win in Uzbekistan.
A proud Asian champion. North Korea (Photo courtesy: The Asian Football Confederation)
Central to North Korea's success was the outstanding performance of their 17-year-old sensation, Choe Il Son, who emerged as the tournament's standout player.
The young prodigy not only clinched the Golden Ball for best player but also secured the Golden Boot as the top scorer. Her impact on the final was immediate and decisive. In the opening minutes, she tested Japanese goalkeeper Akane Okuma with a challenging shot, foreshadowing her dominance. The defining moment came in the 15th minute when she exhibited exceptional skill, netting a remarkable solo goal that ultimately proved to be the match-winner.
This victory cements North Korea's status as a powerhouse in women's youth football, showcasing their consistent ability to produce world-class talent. The team's resilience and skill were on full display throughout the tournament, culminating in their championship-winning performance against a formidable Japanese side.
Asian Football is Praising
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa lauded both teams' performances, stating, "The entire Asian football family joins me in congratulating both DPR Korea and Japan for their riveting displays throughout the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia and for producing a truly memorable final."
He further emphasized the significance of this achievement for Asian football as a whole, adding, "On this historic day, with all eyes on our great Continent, Asia is the ultimate winner."
The AFC President also commended the football associations of both countries for their commitment to youth development, saying, "Both teams have now cemented their places as amongst the most successful women's age-group sides in world football. We must commend both the DPR Korea Football Association and the Japan Football Association for their outstanding commitment to producing world-class youth teams year after year."
This thrilling final not only showcased the individual talents of these young athletes but also highlighted the growing strength and depth of women's football in Asia. As these players continue to develop, they are poised to make significant impacts on their respective senior national teams, further elevating the sport on the global stage.
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