Korea DPR WU17S Win Gold at 2024 Under-17s Women’s World Cup

Spain WU17s and Korea DPR WU17s face each other in the final of the 2024 FIFA Under 17s Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

Photo Credit: Julian Medina / SPP

Spain has had a successful tournament up until the final, with the team beginning by topping Group B with 9 points in the group stages before going on to win 5-0 against Ecuador in the Quarter-final. Spain’s 3-0 victory against England in the semi-final gave them the opportunity to progress onto the final.

Korea DPR had also had a successful tournament up until the final, with the team beginning by topping Group C with 9 points in the Group Stages, before going on to win 1-0 against Poland in the quarter-final. Korea DPR’s 1-0 victory against the USA in the semi-final gave Korea DPR the opportunity to progress.

First Half:

Korea DPR U17s searched for their first goal within the first minute, looking to attack from the moment the whistle blew. A chance at goal was created within the first thirty seconds for Korea, before Spanish goalkeeper Laia Lopez claimed the ball.

Spain looked to have the same energy as Korea DPR in the beginning, and a shot on target from Celia Segura forced a save by the Korean DPR goalkeeper, Pak Ju Gyong. 

Both sides pushed to break the deadlock with Korea pushing through with a high press.

Spain began to increase their intensity as the end of the first half began to approach. Alba Cerrato made two opportunities in the end of the first half that were unable to be converted into the back of the net.

Korea DPR found themselves very lucky that they are not 1-0 down at the end of the first half. Goalkeeper Pak Ju Gyong was able to make the save, however teammate Ri Ye Gyong almost sent the ball back into their own net, with a quick save from Ri Pom preventing the only goal.

The first substitution of the game occurred in the final few minutes of the first half, where Korea DPR brought Ho Kyong on for Choe Il Son.

Choe Il Son was instantly able to make an important contribution to the final as soon as she was substituted on. A nervous performance from Laia Lopez, saw the ball hit off the post and almost find its way into the goal, shocking Lopez into action.

A final shot at goal for the first half saw So Ryu Gyong aim on target, but it was comfortably saved by Laia Lopez.

Both teams were able to go into the locker rooms at half time with the score goalless and everything to play for in the second half.

HALF TIME: 0-0

Both teams started the second half similarly to the way they started the first half. Both teams restarted the second half with a fight, as they aimed to find the first goal in the final. 

Spain were able to convert a goal early in the second half, when Celia Seguea was able to smoothly pass the ball into the back of Korea’s net in the 61st minute. 

Only five minutes later, Korea DPR were able to come back from losing 1-0 and Jon Il Ching was able to give Korea DPR the ability to get back into the final and keep the game on level terms.

Players from both teams were running from one side to the other, as both teams tried to find the goal that would give them the lead. Many attempts were made ,but neither team could convert the ball into the back of the net.

Players on the bench stood anxiously as they watched the final two minutes of the eight additional minutes. However, at the end of the eight additional minutes, the game ended 1-1, meaning that the final would go to a penalty shootout.

FULL TIME: Spain 1-1 Korea DPR

PENALTIES:

The PSO coin toss went the way of Spain, meaning they were to go first in the penalty shootout.

Spain were able to convert their first penalty through Spain’s goal scorer Celia Segura.

Korea DPR was able to convert their first penalty past Laia Lopez, through Ri Kuk Hyang, making the score 1-1.

Spain’s second penalty taker, Iris Santiago was unable to convert the second penalty.

Korea DPR’s second penalty taker, Jong Yongalso was also unable to convert the second penalty, with the score remaining 1-1.

Spanish Captain, Pau Comendador, was unable to convert the third penalty for Spain.

Korea DPR, was able to take the lead in the penalties, as their third penalty taker, Ro Un Hyang was able to convert the ball past Laia Lopez in goal, making the score 2-1.

However, Noa Ortega was able to give Spain the opportunity to get back into the penalty shootout, as she made the score level on Spain’s fourth penalty.

Korea DPR’s fourth penalty taker, Jon Il Chong was able to give Kore DPR a 3-2 lead, as she converted the ball past Laia Lopez.

Emma Moreno was able to convert Spain’s fifth and final penalty levelling the score to 3-3.

However, Korea DPR were still to take their final penalty to give them the win and claim the title. Kang Ryu Mi was able to convert the final penalty of the game past Laia Lopez which meant that Korea DPR were able to take the gold medal and win their third title and first since 2016.