DPR Korea AFC Asian Cup squad

DPR Korea AFC Asian Cup squad

http://www.afcasiancup.com/dct/asiancup-dtc-performgroup-eu-west-1/DPR%20Korea1_1ec1o7p7k9xk1seo9y0qoencd.pdf

North Korea replace suspended coach Yun for Asian Cup

(Reuters) -North Koreahave replaced suspended head coach Yun Jong-su with his predecessor Jo Tong-sop for next month's Asian Cup campaign in Australia.

Yun was banned for 12 months by the Asian FootballConfederation (AFC) earlier this month for "offensive behaviour" during the Asian Games final in South Korea where they lost 1-0 to the hosts.

Yun and the North Korean bench remonstrated with officials after the match and accused referees of favouring their bitter rivals South Korea, who they are still technically at war with.

Yun's ban meant the former international was not allowed to enter the dressing room or the area surrounding the field of play but could still attend training sessions and undertake other football-related activities, the AFC said.

North Korea, who will compete in their fourth Asian Cup in Australia, did not respond to requests from Reuters to confirm the switch but the AFC said Jo had been registered as head coach for the Jan. 9-31 tournament.

Jo led the highly secretive North at the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar but departed shortly after following a group stage exit.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/12/30/uk-soccer-asia-northkorea-idUKKBN0K805Z20141230

A look at a very encoraging 2014 for North Korea

JOHN DUERDEN

@JOHNNYDUERDEN

ESPN's Asia football correspondent who also works for BBC Radio, The Guardian and World Soccer. Writes for The New York Times, The Associated Press, The Daily Telegraph, One World Sports and various Asia media.

Second is nowhere, they say, but with three final appearances at various Asian youth championships in the space of a month in 2014, football in North Korea is going somewhere. It's just a question of how far and how fast.

All teams from the other side of the 38th Parallel measure themselves against the North Korea team that defeated Italy 1-0 in the 1966 World Cup, still one of the greatest shocks in football history. Now though, there are new names that could, one day, rank alongside that of Middlesbrough match winner Pak Doo Ik.

A policy put into place by football authorities after the 2010 World Cup is just beginning to pay off. The plan was a simple one: send the top young players abroad as much as possible.

This may sound a little strange given the well-known secrecy and isolation of the country from much of the global community, but the foundations have already been put in place.

Of North Korea's three recent finals, only the Asian Under-16 Championship in September ended in victory, but the slightly older North Korean youngsters getting within touching distance of the continent's Under-19 Championship a month later was just as valuable.

And then there was the Asian Games, an Under-23 competition, in October. If it is true that you learn more from defeat than victory, this particular 1-0 defeat at the hands of host South Korea in the gold medal match of the biggest tournament in the biggest continent after the Asian Cup, delivered lesson after lesson.

Losing rarely looked so painful. The goal came in the 121st minute, seconds after North Korea's Ri Yong Jik had cleared off the line with an arm above his head. The referee allowed play to continue for lower-league right-back Rim Chang Woo to tap home.

But the disputed goal wasn't the most agonizing aspect of the defeat, nor the fact that it was against North Korea's biggest rival of them all, on their home turf of Incheon. It was that North Korea came so close to accomplishing one of the country's greatest sporting moments.

The players were devastated. Coach Yun Jong Su was livid about the goal, so much so that his complaints got him in hot water and the Asian Football Confederation banned him for a year, meaning he'll miss the 2015 Asian Cup, which kicks off in January.

But it was the Asian Under-16 triumph that really excited Pyongyang. Not only did it end in a win; it also was achieved at least partly by a new vision, one that sees a future North Korean national team full of players with international experience.

It was obvious after the three defeats in South Africa 2010 that a lack of overseas nous made a tough group even tougher. With few players in Europe, few friendly games for the national team and no competitive club games internationally, opportunities for meaningful tests were severely limited. 

After the 2010 World Cup, players such as Cha Jong Hyuk and Pak Kwang Ryong joined clubs in Switzerland and with the Japan-based contingent in J.League action, the situation was starting to look better. More was needed, and in 2013, the Pyongyang International Football School was opened, a place for the best talent in the country, as young as eight, to be trained by local and foreign coaches.

The very best, however, now go to Europe. Since 2012, defensive prospects such as left-back Choi Jin Nam and centre-back Kim Wi Song have been sent to academies and youth teams in -- where else? -- Italy. Midfielders and forwards such as Han Kwang Sung and Choi Sang Hyuk went to Spain. In total, six of the eleven that started the final of the Asia Under-16 championship against South Korea in September, had spent time playing and training in Europe.

These youngsters helped create a formidable unit and were deserved winners of the Under-16 competition. After entertaining in the group stage, the team tightened up, squeezing past Iran and Australia in the quarterfinal and semifinal respectively. The North Koreans are well-organised and technically sound, but there was perhaps a little more wiliness in defence and creativity in attack. All of that was needed in the final against a South Korean team led by Lee Seung Woo.

The Barcelona starlet was the story of the Bangkok tournament -- he may be called the "Korean Messi," but his strike in the quarter-final against fancied Japan was vintage Maradona. He was expected to lead the young TaegukWarriors to the title against the old rival from the north, but his opponents were up to the challenge.

Hair bleached blond, with a swagger perhaps stemming from his club as well as his undoubted skill, Lee's mere presence unsettled DPRK defenders. In the first half of the final, they focused on fouling, but teammates took advantage to give the south the lead. After the break, North Korea started to cut off the supply and space before starting to play themselves. Han Kwang Song, whose hero is Pak Doo Ik, chipped in with a thunderbolt as his team went on to win 2-1. The Under-16 trophy arrived in Pyongyang by train and was paraded around the streets in front of thousands of fans.

There could have been three days of celebration in the capital in 2014, but despite the pain of two final defeats the country's fans have much to smile about. North Korea has had a great year and there may well be more to come.

http://www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2195974/a-look-at-a-very-encouraging-2014-for-north-korea

DPR Korea seal progress to 2015 East Asian Cup

Taipei: DPR Korea are through to the 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup after finishing top of Preliminary Round 2 with a 0-0 draw against hosts Chinese Taipei on Wednesday.

Having picked up a maximum of six points from their opening two games against Hong Kong and Guam, Chollima entered the day’s final round of matches knowing a draw would be enough for them to seal top spot.
But as it is, their progress to next year’s East Asian Cup, which will be held in Wuhan, China, was secured before they even kicked a ball on Wednesday after Hong Kong and Guam – the two sides that had a mathematical chance of overtaking them – played out a 0-0 draw at the Taipei Municipal Stadium.
The North Koreans were then unable to maintain their perfect record in the tournament as they played out a goalless stalemate with Chinese Taipei, although it was the slightest of blemishes in what had been a dominant display over the last week.
Nonetheless, before DPR Korea take on China, Japan and Korea Republic at the East Asian Cup, they will be focusing their attention onJanuary’s AFC Asian Cup 2015 in Australia.
Yun Jong-su’s charges qualified for the Asian Cup by virtue of being the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup champions but will need to be at their best in order to advance to the knockout round, after being drawn in Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia and China.

afc.com

YouTube : DPR Korea 2-1 Hong Kong

EAFF Cup : DPR Korea 2-1 Hong Kong

DPR Korea won 2-1 against Hong Kong in first match of EAFF Cup

Next match is against Guam on November 16

YouTube : Qatar 3-1 DPR Korea

Friendly Sunday : Bahrain 2-2 DPR Korea

Bahrain drew 2-2 against DPR Korea today in  a friendly in Manama

YouTube : Friendly Kuwait vs DPR Korea

Friendly Friday : DPR Korea 0-1 Kuwait

Kuwait won 1-0 against DPR Korea in  a friendly in Dubai on Friday

Next friendly is against Bahrain on Sunday in Manama

DPR Korea preparing for EAFF Championship

DPR Korea are preparing for EAFF Championship and Asian Cup .

They will be playing a friendly against Kuwait on October in Dubai  31 and one against Qatar on November 6.

EAFF Championship  Second round will be played in Taipei City from November 13 :

November 13 : Hong kong vs DPR Korea

November 16 : Guam vs DPR Korea

November 19 : Chinese Taipei vs DPR Korea

AFC U-19 : Japan 1-1 DPR Korea (AET 4-5 pens)

DPR Korea advanced to the semi-finals of the AFC U-19 Championship after edging out Japan 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Friday's quarter-final at Wunna Theikdi Stadium.

With chances at a premium during a hard-fought contest, Kim Kuk-chol's header on 37 minutes appeared to have secured victory for the Koreans only for Japan captain Takumi Minamino to equalise with eight minutes remaining from the spot.
But with goalkeeper Cha Jong-hun then saving the decisive penalty from the same player in the shootout, three-time champions DPR Korea will now travel to Yangon ahead of Monday's semi-finals, with An Ye-gun's side also securing a return to the FIFA U-20 World Cup next year for their third appearance at the finals.
Both teams made just one change from their final group stage ties on Tuesday with Japan forward Ado Onaiwu getting his first start in place of Kohya Kitagawa, while Jon Kum-dong returned to DPR Korea's backline after missing out against Oman and Iraq.
And it was the Koreans who almost opened the match in explosive fashion as Kim Yu-song forced his way into the penalty area in the second minute only to see his toe-poked effort blocked by a spread-eagled jumping block from Japan goalkeeper Kosuke Nakamura.
The danger was not averted, though, as the rebound fell to Jin Il-sok, but the forward's low shot was stopped this time by a more orthodox low save from Nakamura, diving low to his right.
Japan's riposte nearly resulted in the opener, however, as on 11 minutes Yosuke Ideguchi's free-kick from 25-yards-out swerved around the DPR Korea wall and clattered the foot of the right-hand post with custodian Cha Jong-hun beaten.
Onaiwu then missed two good chances after being played in by first Shota Kaneko and later Takumi Minamino as Japan enjoyed the lion's share of possession.
Nakamura was then called into action once again in spectacular style after the half-hour mark as he pulled off an outstanding reaction save from Kang Nam-gwon's shot from just 10 yards out following a free-kick that was not dealt with by the Japan defence.
But the warning went unheeded and the subsequent corner caused panic again amongst the blue-clad ranks, with the ball eventually coming out to Kang on the right flank and the midfielder's cross found Kim Kuk-chol at the back-post to head home.
Japan coach Masakazu Suzuki freshened up his front line at half-time in an attempt to restore parity with Kitagawa coming on to replace Onaiwu.
Despite the switch in attack, the Samurai Blue struggled to penetrate the Korean backline until the 72nd minute as Ideguchi's free-kick found a leaping Kaneko who turned his header onto the post, with Minamino unable to reach the rebound as it rolled along the six-yard box.
But with eight minutes remaining, tricky winger Kaneko danced into the penalty area from the left-flank and had his feet taken out from under him as he looked to pull the trigger.
And Minamino duly punished the infraction in ruthless fashion, slamming the resulting penalty-kick past Cha into the bottom left-hand corner to draw the sides level.
The remaining minutes of regulation time, nor the additional half-hour of extra-time, could bring further changes to the score line and the match went to penalties.
The first eight spot-kicks were a veritable penalty-taking clinic with both sides tied 4-4 going into the decisive round.
But after Jo Sol-song blasted home their fifth kick to extend their perfect record, Minamino's effort was saved by a flying save to his right from Cha to seal victory and break Japan hearts.

afc.com

AFC U-19 Championship : DPR Korea 2-1 Iraq

Nay Pyi Taw: Goals from Jo Kwang-myong and Kim Yu-song took three-times champions DPR Korea through to the quarter-finals of the AFC U-19 Championship at the expense of 2012 finalists Iraq, who were downed 2-1 by the East Asians in the Group D finale on Tuesday.

Although Iraq needed just a point from the game at Wunna Theikdi Stadium to advance to the knockout stages, they were rocked by Jo's 50th minute opener, an advantage which was then doubled by strike-partner So 11 minutes later, and it was a deficit that proved too difficult to overcome for the five-time champions despite Alaa Mhawi's late stoppage-time goal.

The Koreans' reward as group runners-up will be a meeting with Japan in Friday's quarter-final in Nay Pyi Taw, while Group D winners Qatar, having defeated Oman 2-0 in Yangon in the day's other game, will now face Group C runners-up China.

"There was no way out for us today, we had to win, there was no other option, so that's why the players were so mentally strong today," said DPR Korea coach An Ye-gun, who was relieved to see his squad finally over the travel fatigue from travelling from Pyeongyang to Nay Pyi Taw.

"This was a match also about physical conditioning. Today I could finally see that the players were recovered from their travel tiredness, and I could see during the match that Iraq's players were not physically in good shape for this game – that's why we could win."

With DPR Korea requiring all three points the young Chollima were on the offensive in the opening quarter of an hour, albeit without truly testing Iraq goalkeeper Hayder Al Abedi.

Instead, the first meaningful action came at the other end on 16 minutes as Cha Jong-hun had to be alert to fist away Bashar Resan's 16th minute free-kick with Emad Mohsin lurking dangerously on the off-chance of a fumble by the DPR Korea custodian.

And with Iraq's best moments coming from set-pieces, Mohammed Khalid than floated an in-swinging free-kick over the crossbar six minutes later before Resan's second dead-ball effort of the afternoon shortly after the half-hour mark whistled narrowly wide of the left-hand upright.

But following the interval, the game just needed five minutes to have the deadlock broken as from Kim's cut-back from the right flank, Jo found himself with both time and space by the penalty spot to drive a low shot past Al Abedi for his second goal in two games.

It got even worse for the West Asians two minutes past the hour-mark, as once again haphazard defending saw Kim latch on to Ri Un-chol pass and this time the provider turned finisher as he coolly placed the ball into the bottom left-hand corner to leave Iraq with a mountain to climb.

Resan then had a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit, but after slaloming through the Korean backline his initial shot from close-range was blocked, before he lifted the follow-up high over the crossbar from less than six yards out.

Iraq did pull a goal back deep into added time through Alaa Mhawi but it was too little, too late and with their 2012 final opponents Korea Republic also being eliminated yesterday, the tournament will have a brand new pairing in this year's championship climax.

"Although I intended to change the team, I saw that the other players yesterday were not ready for the game, so I started the same 10 players I have used throughout the tournament," said Iraq coach Abdulraheem Hameed.

"But we did not play well today and, unfortunately, the players lost concentration in defence at crucial moments in the game."

afc.com

Asian Games Men - Korea Republic crowned champions

Incheon: Korea Republic won the gold medal at the 17th Asian Games on Thursday after claiming a 1-0 extra-time win over DPR Korea in the final at the Incheon Munhak Stadium.

In a keenly-contested clash that saw both sides struggle to carve out any real scoring chances, the game went into extra-time following a goalless 90 minutes.

And with neither team able to find the breakthrough for most of the additional half-hour, it looked as though it would take the dreaded penalty shootout to decide the winner.

However, in the 121st minute, DPR Korea keeper Ri Myong-guk flapped at a corner and although Lee Yong-jae's initial effort was cleared off the line, Rim Chang-woo was on hand to blast home the loose ball and win it for the South Koreans.

The triumph meant that Korea Republic have now been crowned outright champions of the Asian Games twice following their previous win in 2002, while they shared the gold medal with Burma – now known as Myanmar – and the North Koreans in 1970 and 1978 respectively.

Meanwhile, Iraq claimed the bronze medal after defeating Thailand 1-0 in the third-place playoff at the Incheon Football Stadium.

The only goal of the game arrived three minutes after the hour mark, when Ali Adnan's out-swinging corner was met by Younis Mahmoud with an unstoppable header past Kawin Thamsatchanan.

afc.com

Asian Games Men : DPR Korea, Korea Republic set for final

Incheon: Korea Republic booked their place in the final of the 17th Asian Games on Tuesday after recording a 2-0 win over Thailand in the semi-finals.

The hosts edged ahead at the Incheon Munhak Stadium in the 41st minute when Rim Chang-woo’s right-wing cross found Lee Jong-ho, who clinically glanced a header in off the post.

And right on the stroke of halftime, the South Koreans were awarded a penalty after Lee Jae-sung was clipped by Narubodin Weerawatnodom and the offence was adjudged to have occurred inside the area.

Jang Hyun-soo stepped up to the spot and made no mistake in firing past Kawim Thamsatchanan from 12 yards, which was enough to seal the victory for his side.

The other side through to the final are DPR Korea, who needed extra-time to defeat Iraq 1-0 at the Incheon Football Stadium.

After neither sides were able to break the deadlock in regulation time, the North Koreans finally took the lead in the 96th minute when Jong Il-gwan lined up a freekick on the edge of the box and curled a lovely effort past Mohammed Hameed Farhan.

However, Jong turned from hero to villain when he was sent off eight minutes later for a second bookable offence, although DPR Korea were able to hold out for the remainder of the contest and claim the win.

The final will take place at the Incheon Munhak Stadium on Thursday evening, while the bronze medal match between Thailand and the Iraqis will also be held earlier that day.

afc.com

Asian Games Women : DPR Korea down Japan to win gold

Incheon: DPR Korea won the gold medal at the 17th Asian Games on Wednesday after recording a 3-1 win over defending champions Japan at the Incheon Munhak Stadium.

Kim Yun-mi got the North Koreans off to a dream start after 12 minutes when she reacted quickest to pounce on a loose ball inside the box, and clinically stroked a shot into the bottom corner.

And seven minutes after half-time, it was 2-0 as Ra Un-sim got in behind the opposition defence and advanced into the box before firing past Ayumi Kaihori.

Japan gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Aya Miyama pulled one back in the 55th minute; meeting Megumi Takase's low cross with a first-time effort into the back of the net.

But three minutes from time, a sweeping counterattack initiated by Jon Myong-hwa saw her release Yun Song-mi down the left, and her looping delivery into the area was emphatically headed home by Ho Un-byol to seal the gold medal for DPR Korea.

Meanwhile, Korea Republic claimed the bronze medal after defeating Vietnam 3-0 at the Incheon Football Stadium.

Following a goalless first half, Kwon Han-eul fired the South Koreans ahead in the 55th minute, before further strikes by Jung Seol-bin (57') and Park Hee-young (67') put the result beyond doubt.

afc.com

Asian Games . Japan, DPR Korea to meet in final

Incheon: Defending champions Japan are through to the final at the 17th Asian Games after claiming a 3-0 win over Vietnam in Monday’s semi-finals.
In a game they dominated at the Incheon Football Stadium, the Japanese took the lead after 25 minutes when Mizuho Sakaguchi pounced on a loose ball and sent an emphatic finish into the back of the net, after Dang Thi Kieu Trinh could only punch Aya Miyama’s cross into her path.
Despite creating plenty of chances, they were however unable to add to their lead largely owing to some poor finishing, as well as a nervy but effective display from opposition keeper Dang.
Still, they did make it 2-0 eight minutes into the second half when Kana Kitahara did well to keep things alive after an earlier shot has smashed off the bar; hooking the ball back into the danger zone for Kita Osafune to emphatically head home.

And in the 74th minute, the result was put beyond doubt as Yuka Sugasawa made a darting run to the near post to escape her opponent before meeting another dangerous delivery from Miyama with a deft header past Dang for her side’s third.

With the win, Japan are through to the final for the second tournament running and it will be a repeat of the 2010 final after DPR Korea also advanced with a 2-1 triumph over neighbours Korea Republic.
It was the South Koreans that drew first blood at the Incheon Munhak Stadium in the 12th minute when Jung Seol-bin lined up a 25-yard freekick and unleashed a powerful effort, which dipped awkwardly just before the goal-line and squirmed in under Hong Myong-hui’s despairing dive.
But six minutes after the half-hour mark, DPR Korea pulled level after they cleverly carved out an opening; Ri Ye-gyong meeting a low cross from the right with a deft touch to steer the ball into the far corner.

With both sides failing to find a second goal in the second period, it looked like extra-time – and perhaps penalties – would be on the cards.
Nonetheless, in the third minute of injury-time, a poor back-header by Korea Republic’s Lim Seon-joo played Ra Un-sim through and although her initial effort was saved by Kim Jung-mi, substitute Ho Un-byol was on hand to slot home the rebound and win it for the North Koreans.
The final between Japan and DPR Korea will be held at the Incheon Munhak Stadium on Wednesday evening, while the bronze medal match between Korea Republic and Vietnam will also be played earlier that day.

afc.com

FC HTTU win last ever AFC President's Cup

Colombo: Akmyrat Jumanazarov and Suleyman Muhadov scored as Turkmenistan's FC HTTU claimed victory in the last-ever AFC President's Cup after their 2-1 victory over Rimyongsu Club of DPR Korea in Friday's final at Sugathadasa Stadium.

Jumanazrov's 36th minute header had given FC HTTU the lead as Rowshen Meredov's side looked to keep the title in Turkmenistan after countrymen Balkan FT had won last year's edition of the tournament.

Despite Rimyongsu pressing for an equaliser they were hit on the counter in the 54th minute by Muhadov who notched his tournament-leading sixth goal in just three games. And although the DPR Korea side pulled a late goal back on 86 minutes through defender Ri Kwang-hok to give them a sliver of hope, FC HTTU were able to hold on for a historic victory.

FC HTTU had begun the championship climax with a trio of fresh faces with Gurbangeldi Batyrov, Azat Shamyradov and Jumanazarov returning to the side after their absence from the starting eleven in Wednesday's Group A decider against hosts Sri Lanka Airforce SC.

Rimyongsu, meanwhile, brought in Kang Won-myong for the suspended Ri Sang-chol and joining him was forward Kim Kyong-il with Jang Kwang-hyok making way.

The DPR Korean club had boasted a flawless record in the group stage, in which they scored nine without conceding to top Group B, but it was FC HTTU who looked intent on imposing themselves on the game from the start and on six minutes Batyrov's in-swinging free-kick from the right-hand side required an alert stop from Rimyongsu goalkeeper Ju Kwang-min.

And there was more penalty area drama 10 minutes later after, as both Ro Hak-su and Hang Song-hyok failed to deal with Batyrov's cross and the defenders were fortunate that the normally clinical Muhadov was unable to capitalise when the ball fell to him six yards out.

Rimyongsu captain Pak Song-chol did then give a reminder of his threat from set-pieces with a free-kick from the left-side of the penalty area that almost caught out FC HTTU custodian Nurgeldy Astanov who belatedly fisted clear.

But with nine minutes of the half remaining, FC HTTU broke the deadlock with a textbook training ground set-piece after Ri Chang-ho needlessly conceded a corner with a wayward backward header.

From the resulting dead-ball, Batyrov played the ball down the line to an on-rushing David Sarkisov whose whipped-in cross fizzed menacingly into the penalty area where it was met by a fine arching header from Jumanazarov that arrowed into the bottom left-hand corner.

After the half-time interval, Ri Hyok went close to drawing Rimyongsu level with a shot as he fell on the edge of penalty area but Astanov was able to get down low to his right and clutch the ball as it threatened to bobble past him.

But with the DPR Korean side intent on attack, they were caught on the counter on 54 minutes as Shamyradov motored down the right flank before zipping in an inviting low cross that bypassed the Rimyongsu defenders and landed at the feet of the on-rushing Muhadov who lifted his shot over the flying Ju and into the bottom right-hand corner.

Just after the hour-mark, Ri Chol-myong then went close to reducing the deficit with a brave header after he challenged Astanov for a high ball, but his headed effort wafted narrowly wide.

And with just four minutes of the tie remaining, Ri Kwang-hyok ensured a frenetic finish as he stabbed home from close-range after a capitalising on a misdirected header by FC HTTU defender Shohrat Soyunov.

However, FC HTTU were able to keep their composure and claim the title their performance had largely deserved, as the final whistle blew to the shrieks of delight from the Turkmen players with an emotional and jubilant Meredov dropping to his knees in celebration.

afc.com

North Korea in Asian Games Football - Updated results

Asian Games football Men in Incheon , South Korea (U23 + 3 overaged players)

15. September : North Korea 3-0 China (Sim Hyon-Jin , So Kyong-jin, Ri Hyok-chol)

18. September : North Korea 2-0  Pakistan ( So Kyong-jin, Jong Il-Gwan)

Round of 16 :

26. September North Korea 4-1 Indonesia

30. September : North Korea vs Iraq

Asian Games Women

16. September North Korea 5-0 Vietnam

20. September North Korea 5-0 Hong Kong

Quarterfinals

26. September North Korea 1-0 China

Semifinal :

29. September South Korea 1-2 North Korea


Final :

1. October :

North Korea vs Japan

AFC President's Cup : Rimyongsu Club 4-0 Sheikh Russel

Colombo: Rimyongsu Club booked their place in the AFC President's Cup final with a comfortable 4-0 win over Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Limited of Bangladesh in Wednesday's final Group B tie at Sugathadasa Stadium.

Ri Jin-hyok opened the scoring after 30 minutes for the North Korean club before captain Pak Song-chol netted a sublime free-kick before the half-time break. Ro Hak-su and Kim Kyong-il then added further goals in the second half to give Rimyongsu a second convincing victory of the tournament after they had crushed FC Erchim of Mongolia 5-0 on Monday.
As a result, Rimyongsu top Group B with six points, with Sheikh Russel runners-up a further three behind and Erchim, without a point, bottom of the table.

Rimyongsu will now advance to Friday's final to play the winner of Group A for the right to be named the last-ever AFC President's Cup champion.
"We had a lot of confidence after our first match and this gave us a good base for today's game with the players putting on a similarly pleasing performance," said Rimyongsu coach Jo Tong-sop.
"Pak is very skilful on free-kicks, he practices a lot, and he's always our main set-piece taker. We know if there is any dead-ball within striking distance then he will always be a threat.
"We will now study our possible opponents for the final and work on any potential weaknesses. Both teams have to ensure they are prepared to our maximum for the championship game."
Despite coming into the winner-takes-all tie just 48 hours since they kicked off their opening match, Rimyongsu were the more adventurous side from the start, with Sheikh Russel looking to sit deep and hit target-man Kingsley Chigozie with long balls from the back.

Pak, who had scored a stunning free-kick against Erchim, gave early warning of his threat from set-pieces on 14 minutes with an in-swinging effort from near the left-hand corner flag that forced an athletic save from Sheikh Russel goalkeeper Mamun Khan, clawing the ball away from under his crossbar.

And Khan was called into action just five minutes later, as he pulled off a double save to deny first Ri Sang-chol and then the onrushing Ri Hyok following up on the loose ball.
But on the half-hour mark, Rimyongsu's relentless pressure finally told as Ri Jin-hyok latched onto a low, skimming cross from Ri Chang-ho with a flying header that left Khan helpless for the striker's third goal in two games.

And on the stroke of half-time, Rimyongsu doubled their lead after Rezaul Karim fouled Pak 20-yards out of goal and the skipper dusted himself off before punishing the infringement in the most clinical fashion: a sumptuous strike that flew into the top-right hand corner with Khan rooted to his line.

Rimyongsu made the score line 3-0 just five minutes after the re-start as full-back Ro's smart combination with Ri Sang-chol saw the former played through on goal and he finished confidently past Khan.

Substitute Kim further increased the lead before the hour mark as Karim, wary of his earlier booking, backed off the striker who advanced into the penalty area and, despite stumbling momentarily, was able to slam the ball home for his side's fourth goal of the afternoon.
With Sheikh Russel now facing a mammoth task, and the heat beginning to take its toll on both sides, Rimyongsu were able to comfortably see out the remaining minutes of the match to seal another impressive victory and march on to Friday's final.

"I didn't expect a score line like this; we made a few mistakes and got punished. Rimyongsu are a very strong side and that's why they are going to the final," said Sheikh Russel coach Sheikh Mohammad Zakaria.

"We learnt a lot from this tournament and we will take on board these lessons and we will improve in the future."

afc.com

AFC President's Cup : Rimyongsu Club (DPR Korea) vs Erchim FC (Mongolia)

DPR Korea win AFC U- 16 Championship

Bangkok: Han Kwang-song and Choe Song-hyok scored in the second half as DPR Korea claimed a record-equalling second AFC U-16 Championship title after completing a 2-1 comeback victory over Korea Republic in Saturday's final at Rajamangala Stadium.

Choi Jae-young's 34th minute header had given Korea Republic the lead as Choi Jin-cheul's side sought to claim a record third AFC U-16 Championship title having advanced to the final with a 100% record.

But after Han equalised for 2010 champions DPR Korea five minutes after half-time, Choe struck with 23 minutes remaining as Yon Kwang-mu's side joined Korea Republic, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia and Oman as two-time winners of the tournament.

Roared on by the biggest crowd of the tournament, both sides started the contest at a frantic pace, although Korea Republic's Ahn Joon-soo was the busier of the two goalkeepers during the opening exchanges as the custodian made a regulation save from Kim Ye-bom's speculative long range effort after eight minutes before watching as Han blazed into the side netting.

Ahn was beaten seven minutes later but Jong Chang-bom had strayed narrowly offside before racing onto Kim Wi-song's through ball, while opposite number Ri Chol-song was soon called into action to make a smart save low to his right from Lee Seung-woo's drive from the edge of the penalty area.

And Ri again blocked from Lee 15 minutes before half-time as the diminutive Barcelona striker rode a challenge before evading another DPR Korea defender and firing goalwards from just outside the area.

With the end-to-end nature of the contest continuing, Korea Republic goalkeeper Ahn then had to deal with a rising strike from Han which the custodian unconvincingly punched to safety.

But despite DPR Korea looking the most likely to break the deadlock, Korea Republic opened the scoring 11 minutes before half-time as Choi Jae-young's glancing header from Lee Sang-heon's right-wing corner looped over Ri.

DPR Korea, though, were level five minutes after the restart as Park Yong-gwan's long angled ball into the area was missed by the Korea Republic defence and Han expertly took one touch to bring the ball down before coolly beating Ahn from the edge of the six yard area.

And Han almost turned provider seven minutes later as Yon Jun-hyok could only direct the strikers pull back just wide of the upright with Ahn scrambling across his goal.

But DPR Korea did claim the lead seven minutes after the hour mark courtesy of another Korea Republic defensive mistake as a through ball was allowed to find Choe, and the striker rifled his shot across Ahn and into the top corner from inside the area.

With time running out Korea Republic quickly pressed for an equaliser and Ri had to be on his toes to block at close range from You Juan with 11 minutes remaining.

But despite Korea Republic continuing to press in the closing stages, they were unable to find a way past a well-organised and disciplined DPR Korea defence and suffered a first defeat of the campaign.

afc.com

AFC U16 Final : Korea Rep vs DPR Korea

Bangkok: Coach Choi Jin-cheul is unconcerned by any tactics DPR Korea will employ to combat Korea Republic striker Lee Seung-woo in Saturday's AFC U-16 Championship final.

Barcelona striker Lee has propelled two-time champions Korea Republic to a first AFC U-16 Championship final appearance since 2008 after scoring a tournament-leading five goals in just four games.

Lee was marked heavily during Korea Republic's semi-final success over Syria, and while the striker only netted a second-half penalty, he was still able to contribute four assists as Choi's side maintained their 100% record with an impressive 7-1 win.

"Lee Seung-woo is a creative player and we expect defences to man-mark him, but that creates more space for other players to use. And when defenders only look for him, our other players make smart use of the space so Lee Seung-woo is able to make many assists. And the second half against Syria was a good example of this," said former intentional centre-back Choi (pictured), who played for Korea Republic at the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and 2006.

"I think DPR Korea will man-mark while also using a joint defence. For Lee Seung-woo, I think DPR Korea will be aggressive so he needs to be careful. We need to prepare to face both man-marking and joint defence. DPR Korea also presses for the ball well so the key will be how we escape from these situations."

Korea Republic had earlier topped their group following wins over Oman, Malaysia and hosts Thailand before Lee scored twice to down Japan 2-0 in their quarter-final.

DPR Korea striker Han Kwang-song, meanwhile, scored in all three group stage games for his side as the 2010 champions beat Kuwait and Nepal either side of a narrow defeat by defending champions Uzbekistan.

And DPR Korea ensured a return to the final after edging our Iran and Australia on penalties in the knockout stage following a pair of hard-fought draws.

"Over the last two days I have watched DPR Korea's matches, and I think if we play our style, I am confident. We need to play at a fast pace and also our movement will be very important against DPR Korea," added Choi.

"Throughout the group stage and quarter-final. I watched DPR Korea's number nine Han and I know him very well. I also think DPR Korea have many players who have a good attacking style and they are also quick and physically strong, and I need to make sure I pick my best 11 players for the match."

For former centre-back Choi the final represents the first major challenge of his coaching career having spent three years as an assistant at Gangwon in Korea Republic's top-flight between 2009-2012 before joining the Korean Football Association set-up.

"I have nerves as it is a final because this is the first time to play in the final of a big competition. It is an honour to be the coach in a final. In the previous matches I was also nervous and shouted at the players, but I feel like I am getting better with every match, and for the final I feel like I can manage it better," said Choi, who has also worked with Korea Republic's U-13, U-14 and U-15 sides since joining the Korean Football Association as a coach in 2012.

"I think as a coach it is different than as a player because as a player you only need to think about yourself and manage yourself, but as a coach you have to think about all the players including the substitutes.

"I want to share my experiences of playing in big tournaments with the players to help them relax.

afc.com

AFC U-16 Championship Semifinal - DPR Korea vs Australia

Bangkok: Coach Yon Kwang-mu admits DPR Korea will struggle to replace the quality of suspended striker Han Kwang-song in Wednesday's AFC U-16 Championship semi-final against Australia.

Han netted in all three Group C games as DPR Korea beat Kuwait and Nepal either side of a defeat by Uzbekistan.

But the striker picked up a second yellow card of the campaign in Sunday's goalless draw with Iran as Yon's side eventually prevailed in the quarter-final tie on penalties, and Han, pictured in action against Kuwait, will watch from the stands at Rajamangala Stadium as 2010 champions DPR Korea seek a return to the final.

"We have substitute players, although they are not as good as Han, but we do have substitute players," said Yon.

"But we now feel comfortable compared to before the quarter-final. The team is enjoying this time and is very relaxed. Before the match with Iran there was a lot of pressure, but now we are more relaxed."

DPR Korea had earlier finished second in Group C behind Uzbekistan, while fellow 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers Australia head into the semi-final with a 100% record after edging out Malaysia 2-1 in their quarter-final.

"Australia have reached this stage after coming through the group stage and quarter-final so that shows they are very strong, so we will make careful plans so that we can win the game," added Yon.

"They will be physically strong and have good technique and skills as they follow the same structure as the Australia national team. Australia might be physically stronger, but we need to win with our mental strength and this is created by a good team spirit. Our team spirit is very important and I always stress the need for mental power."

Australia secured their return to the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship for the first time since 2010 after goals from Cameron Joice and Daniel Maskin secured a comeback win over Malaysia at the weekend at a stifling hot Muangthong Stadium.

"We have qualified for the World Cup, but now you come to this stage and we want to go all the way," said Australia coach Tony Vidmar.

"DPR Korea are not a bad team and they have some good players up front who can be dangerous, so we just need to make sure we have a good game plan. We saw their game against Iran and have got an idea of what to expect.

"We had identified Han as a very good player, he creates a lot for them. His movement is very good and he holds up the ball and makes runs off the ball, and he will be a loss for them. He was one we would look to restrict service into him, but it still won't change how we go about things."

Despite having also won their group with wins over China, Hong Kong and Japan, Vidmar was critical of Australia's amount of unforced errors and cheap turnover of possession against Malaysia, having levelled similar criticisms at his side during the group stage.

"DPR Korea will be very similar to China and Hong Kong as they have their block as they play 4-4-2 when they don't have the ball and 4-2-4 when they do have possession, so we need to keep possession and find those moments when we can go forward. It is going to be a good test to see what information the players have taken on and how they can execute it," added Vidmar.

"Some of the boys are still tired as the last game was probably the hottest since we have been here, but we will give it everything."

afc.com

Football: AFC Presidents Cup to host in Sri Lanka from 21st September

Sri Lanka Air Force has qualified to play in this year fina round
and altogether 6 teams will play for the championship in 2 groups. The group champions will play in the finals.

The group stage was held in Colombo in May and as a request of the FFSL President Mr. Ranjith Rodrigo the finals will be staged in Sri Lanka giving an opportunity for local fans to see some exciting international club championship.

The following teams have qualified and the matches will kick off at 1.00pm the first match and at 4.00 pm the second match at Sugathadasa Stadium Colombo.

Group A

Sri Lanka Air Force
FC HUTU-Turkministhan
Manang Marshyangdi Club – Nepal

Group B

Shiek Russel Krara Chakra Ltd-Bangladesh
Rimyoungsu Club -Peoples Republic of Korea
Erchim FC -Mongolia

Read more: http://www.cricturf.com/other/football/football-afc-presidents-cup-host-sri-lanka-21st-september.html#ixzz3DUqEojGQ

Yon yearns for continental glory

Bangkok: Coach Yon Kwang-mu insists DPR Korea will do everything in their power to win the AFC U-16 Championship after securing a place in the semi-finals following a dramatic penalty shootout victory in the quarter-finals against Iran on Sunday.

Chances were few and far between as the two teams played out a tense 0-0 draw at a wet Muangthong Stadium.

But after Han Kwang-song, Kim Wi-song, Kim Ye-Bom and Ri Kuk-hyon all scored for the 2010 champions, DPR Korea advanced to Wednesday's semi-final with Australia as Nima Daghestani and Reza Shekari missed for Group D winners Iran.

"I'm not sure if we will have the chance to win the tournament, but both the players and I will do everything we can to try and do so," said DPR Korea coach Yon (pictured).

"We didn't expect to have penalties; we were just thinking of winning so since we arrived here we have not been practicing. We did practice back home, but not here."

The win also secured DPR Korea qualification for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

"The match was very important as it decided whether we go to the World Cup. All my country were watching and expecting us to win," added Yon.

"My players went into this game with one mind."

afc.com

Falconets down Korea DPR, soar into final

Asisat Oshoala scored four times as Nigeria reached the final with a thumping 6-2 victory over Korea DPR in the highest-scoring semi-final ever seen at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Oshoala also laid on two more goals in a win that leaves the Super Falconets to face either France or Germany on Sunday at Montreal's Olympic Stadium, and the North Koreans to play for third place at the same venue.

Nigeria have had a tendency to score quick goals during their time at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014, and Courtney Dike continued that trend with a goal barely more than a minute after kick-off. Oshoala set the tone by setting it up, releasing Dike in behind Korea DPR’s captain Choe Sol-Gyong before the No8 expertly picked her spot just inside the far post. At the half-way point of the first period, Oshoala doubled Nigeria’s lead, capitalising on a poor touch from centre-half Song Kyong-Hui before rounding the keeper and passing into an open goal. 

Less than ten minutes later, Ri Un-Sim – arguably the North Koreans’ most dangerous attacker throughout the tournament – pulled one back with a great bit of individual skill after receiving a long ball from midfield. Ri beat two defenders on the cutback and finished past Sandra Chiichii with a powerful shot into the top corner. From there, Korea DPR looked inspired in search of an equaliser but the score remained 2-1 at half-time before Nigeria swiftly put the game out of reach within minutes of the restart.

In similar fashion to her appearance and goal in the quarter-finals against New Zealand, Uchechi Sunday came on as a substitute and within a minute scored to restore her team's two-goal lead. Oshoala then put the game out of reach on the hour mark when she hit a stunning shot from 20 yards out that left Kim with no chance as it flew into the top corner. 

Korea DPR had one last glimmer of hope two minutes later when Ugo Njoku handled the ball in her own area, allowing Jon So-Yon to score from the penalty spot. However, Oshoala’s quality shone through yet again in the 68th minute when she completed her hat-trick, beating Song and winning a foot race with Kim to once more fire into an empty net.

Nigeria were not finished there, though, and with five minutes from time the No4 matched the number on her jersey. The goal came as a result of another North Korean defensive miscue less than six yards from goal, resulting in a simple tap-in.

Oshoala had taken the wind out of the Korean sails far earlier in the match and when the final whistle sounded, her Nigerian team-mates surrounded her in celebration, while Hwang Yong-Bong's side trudged off disconsolately.

fifa.com

AFF SUZUKI CUP: DPR Korea test for Vietnam

HANOI (20 August 2014) – Vietnam, who will host one leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup at the end of the year, has lined up a toughie against DPR Korea, next month.
The match against DPR Korea, who had qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and who will also play in the Asian Cup next year in Australia, will be played on 3 September at the Hang Day Stadium.

aseanfootball.org

Falconets down Korea DPR, fly into final

• • Nigeria have had a tendency to score quick goals during their time at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014, and Courtney Dike continued that trend with a goal barely more than a minute after kick-off before Asisat Oshoala added four goals en route to the Super Falconets’ stunning 6-2 semi-final win against Korea DPR in Moncton.

The win sends Peter Dedevbo’s side into the final in Montreal on Sunday, while Korea DPR will also make the trip west to compete in the play-off for third place. The North Koreans managed to keep the match within reach throughout the first half, despite Dike’s early strike, before the Nigerians ran away with the result in the second period. 
Oshoala set up Dike for the opening goal, sending her in behind Korea DPR’s captain Choe Sol-Gyong, and the No8 expertly picked out the far post beating the outstretched Kim Chol-Ok to establish the early lead. At the half-way point of the first period Oshoala doubled Nigeria’s lead, capitalising on a poor touch from centre-back Song Kyong-Hui. Having only the keeper to beat, Oshoala comfortable touched the ball to her right and passed it into an open goal. 
Less than ten minutes later, Ri Un Sim – arguably the North Koreans’ most dangerous attacker throughout the tournament – pulled one back with a great bit of individual skill after receiving a long ball from midfield. Ri beat two defenders on the cutback and finished past Sandra Chiichii with a powerful shot into the top corner. From there, Korea DPR looked inspired in search of an equaliser but the score remained 2-1 as the teams went into half-time and Nigeria swiftly put the game out of reach only minutes after the restart.
In similar fashion to her appearance and goal in the quarter-finals against New Zealand, Uchechi Sunday came on as a substitute and within a minute scored to restore the Nigerians’ two-goal lead. Oshoala then put the game out of reach on the hour mark when she hit a stunning ball from 20 yards out that left Kim with no chance as it flew into the top corner. 
Korea DPR had one last glimmer of hope two minutes later when Ugo Njoku was handled the ball in her own area, allowing Jon So-Yon to score from the penalty spot. However, Oshoala’s quality shone through yet again in the 68th minute when she completed her hat-trick in hat-trick, beating the Song and winning a foot race with Kim to once more fire into an empty net.
Nigeria were not finished there, though, and with five minutes from time the No4 matched the number on her jersey with the amount of goals she would score on the day as a result of another North Korean defensive miscue less than six yards from goal, resulting in a simple tap-in for Oshoala.
Oshoala had taken the wind out of the Korean sails far earlier in the match and when the final whistle sounded, her Nigerian team-mates surrounded her in celebration while the Hwang Yong-Bong's side walked off the field knowing they will be heading to Montreal to battle for third place instead of the championship.

http://www.fifa.com/u20womensworldcup/matches/round=268004/match=300251268/match-report.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_news_top

FIFA U20 Women's World Cup : DPR Korea vs USA - Quarterfinal

The matches Korea DPR-USA, Toronto, 16 August 2014, 17.00 local time No-one has won the U-20 Women's World Cup more often than USA, and the CONCACAF champions arrived at this edition widely tipped to lift the trophy for a fourth time. An opening match defeat to Germany cast doubt on such predictions, but Michelle French's side have steadily improved since and produced their best performance yet in the 3-0 win over China PR that took them through.

The Americans' run of form finds its direct contrast in that of opponents Korea DPR, who safely negotiated their first two matches only to conclude their Group A campaign with defeat to Canada. But though Hwang Yong-Bong made no secret of his unhappiness at that performance, he will be boosted by the return of talisman Ri Un-Sim, who was rested against the hosts due to a minor injury. The outcome could well depend on whether it is Ri or Lindsey Horan - the teams' respective top scorers - who emerges as the decisive figure in this tough-to-predict encounter.

fifa.com

North Korea to play Vietnam

Vietnam will be hosting North Korea in a friendly on Sept 1 reporting Vietnamese sources.

AFC President's Cup finals

Kuala Lumpur: Hosts Sri Lanka Air Force have been pitted against the league champions of Turkmenistan and Nepal after the draw for the tenth and last edition finals of the AFC President’s Cup 2014 took place at AFC House on Friday.

Sri Lanka Air Force, who finished second in Group A during the qualifiers, sensationally outwitting last year’s finalists KRL Football Club of Pakistan, will face FC HTTU, the Turkmenistan debutant in the finals, as well as Nepali giants Manang Marsyangdi Club (MMC), who participated in the 2006 finals held in Kuching Malaysia.

The Sri Lankans will begin their campaign against MMC on September 20 and four days later they are set to face FC HTTU. All the matches will take place at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo with the final scheduled for September 26. 

In Group B, the competition's highest ranked side Shaikh Russel Krira Chakra from Bangladesh meet seven-time Mongolian league champions Erchim and DPR Korea debutant Rimyongsu FC, who finished behind FC HTTU in the qualifiers.

The finals will be played in September with the group winners facing each other in the final to determine the tenth and the last winner of the competition.

The AFC President’s Cup started in 2005 with Nepal hosting the finals. The Colombo final will be the last edition of the competition which will be superseded by AFC Cup qualifiers from 2015 onwards. 

afc.com

Turkmenistan, DPR Korea claim championship slots

The HTTU Football Club from Turkmenistan and Rimyongsu FC from Democratice People’s Republic of Korea advanced into the finals of the Asian Football Confederation President’s Cup 2014 after topping the Group B of the Qualifiers at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

HTTU beat host Ceres-La Salle Football Club, 2-1, both goals scored during injury time, while Rimyongsu shut out Tatung Company from Chinese Taipei, 5-0.

Ceres-La Salle scored the first goal of the match in the 20th minute after Carli de Murga engaged the goalkeeper on a one-on-one and prevailed.

But HTTU equalized at injury time before halftime (45+2), as Suleyman Muhadov completed a corner’s kick by heading the ball into the net.

The 1-all deadlock remained until the regulation time expired but referee Yousef Thyth Almarsouq from Kuwait ruled for a five-minute added time. Fourth minute in the injury time, Muhadov scored his fifth goal in the tournament as he hammered the ball into the goal after it slipped through Ceres FC keeper’s Michael Casas’ hands.

HTTU head coach Rowshen Meredov said that their goals came late but he never doubted that they will score those goals. He said Ceres is a very good team, very well organized and they played very well.

Ceres FC team manager Ali Go, on the other hand, expressed some misgivings on how the referee officiated as he pointed out several inconsistencies in the call.

He said the injury time went beyond five minutes and the referee failed to call the glaring fouls in the final seconds of the match.

However, he said the team will bounce back from the defeat and move on.

Meanwhile, DPR Korea head coach Jon Man Ho said they are glad to be into the finals of the AFC President’s Cup and they will train hard in preparations for the championship.

He added that the 5-0 goal against Taipei was their insurance to get through the Qualifier as they knew that the 2-1 score between Turkmenistan and Philippines will not be enough if they settle for a draw or score a few goals against Taipei.

Visayan Daily Star