http://www.fifa.com/u20womensworldcu...e-2857966.html
Korea DPR complete a dream double
(FIFA.com) 04 Dec 2016
THE TOURNAMENT REPLAYED - 2016 has been a year to remember for North Korean football. With memories of Korea DPR’s triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016 still fresh, the country tasted success once more at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016. “It’s a feat that’s never been achieved before,” said the coach Hwang Yong-Bong after his side’s 3-1 defeat of France in the final. “I’m delighted with our victory, but we can’t stop here. We have to keep on working to win more titles.”
Boasting the most prolific attack in the tournament with 21 goals, Korea DPR were in a class of their own in Papua New Guinea. Coupled with their enterprising, attack-minded approach and their tireless running, the Asians’ remarkable mental resolve allowed them to see off all their opponents. That durability was in evidence when Spain and USA took them to extra time in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, and when France opened the scoring in the final.
That early goal gave the French hope of lifting the trophy themselves, until, that is, the North Korean steamroller cranked into gear, preventing Les Bleuettes from replicating their victory in over the same opponents at the U-17 world finals in Azerbaijan four years ago, a game in which several players from both sides featured. “There was no fuel left in the tank,” lamented France coach Gilles Eyquem at the end of what was a punishing campaign for his charges. After earning two draws and a win to advance from Group C, the French held off Germany in the last eight before grinding out an extra-time win over Japan in the semis.
“The positive thing is that we’ve come up against some very good sides,” added Eyquem. “It’s been a valuable experience for these players, who I hope will go on to have success with the senior team.” On the basis of their displays at Papua New Guinea 2016, there is no doubt that the likes of Delphine and Estelle Cascarino, Mylene Chavas, Hawa Cissoko and Grace Geyoro all look to have promising careers ahead of them with Les Bleues.
Consolation for Japan, dejection for Germany and USA
Third and fourth respectively, Japan and USA had very different campaigns. Aside from the narrow defeat to Spain in the group phase, the Young Nadeshiko were in irrepressible form all the way through to the semis, where the French defence neutralised their delightful interplay.*
The second-highest scoring team in the competition with 16 goals, Asako Takakura’s side provided another compelling and aesthetically pleasing demonstration of what Japanese football has to offer on the global stage. With Yuka Momiki, Mami Ueno and Hina Sugita emerging fast, Takakura, who also coaches Japan’s senior side, knows she has a new generation of players she can count on at full international level.
Three-time winners of the competition, USA have fewer reasons to be pleased with their performance in Papua New Guinea. After making hard work of qualifying from Group C, the Stars and Stripes needed a late comeback to see off Mexico in the last eight before succumbing to Korea DPR in the semis. On an individual level, Mallory Pugh showcased her world-class talent in guiding her team through some tough moments......
(FIFA.com) 04 Dec 2016
THE TOURNAMENT REPLAYED - 2016 has been a year to remember for North Korean football. With memories of Korea DPR’s triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016 still fresh, the country tasted success once more at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016. “It’s a feat that’s never been achieved before,” said the coach Hwang Yong-Bong after his side’s 3-1 defeat of France in the final. “I’m delighted with our victory, but we can’t stop here. We have to keep on working to win more titles.”
Boasting the most prolific attack in the tournament with 21 goals, Korea DPR were in a class of their own in Papua New Guinea. Coupled with their enterprising, attack-minded approach and their tireless running, the Asians’ remarkable mental resolve allowed them to see off all their opponents. That durability was in evidence when Spain and USA took them to extra time in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, and when France opened the scoring in the final.
That early goal gave the French hope of lifting the trophy themselves, until, that is, the North Korean steamroller cranked into gear, preventing Les Bleuettes from replicating their victory in over the same opponents at the U-17 world finals in Azerbaijan four years ago, a game in which several players from both sides featured. “There was no fuel left in the tank,” lamented France coach Gilles Eyquem at the end of what was a punishing campaign for his charges. After earning two draws and a win to advance from Group C, the French held off Germany in the last eight before grinding out an extra-time win over Japan in the semis.
“The positive thing is that we’ve come up against some very good sides,” added Eyquem. “It’s been a valuable experience for these players, who I hope will go on to have success with the senior team.” On the basis of their displays at Papua New Guinea 2016, there is no doubt that the likes of Delphine and Estelle Cascarino, Mylene Chavas, Hawa Cissoko and Grace Geyoro all look to have promising careers ahead of them with Les Bleues.
Consolation for Japan, dejection for Germany and USA
Third and fourth respectively, Japan and USA had very different campaigns. Aside from the narrow defeat to Spain in the group phase, the Young Nadeshiko were in irrepressible form all the way through to the semis, where the French defence neutralised their delightful interplay.*
The second-highest scoring team in the competition with 16 goals, Asako Takakura’s side provided another compelling and aesthetically pleasing demonstration of what Japanese football has to offer on the global stage. With Yuka Momiki, Mami Ueno and Hina Sugita emerging fast, Takakura, who also coaches Japan’s senior side, knows she has a new generation of players she can count on at full international level.
Three-time winners of the competition, USA have fewer reasons to be pleased with their performance in Papua New Guinea. After making hard work of qualifying from Group C, the Stars and Stripes needed a late comeback to see off Mexico in the last eight before succumbing to Korea DPR in the semis. On an individual level, Mallory Pugh showcased her world-class talent in guiding her team through some tough moments......
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