Korea DPR beat China to reach East Asian Cup final
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| AFP |
Korea DPR beat China PR 3-2 at the women's East Asian Cup in Wuhan, meaning the team will now face off with Korea Republic in the final.
Early goals by Kim Yun-Mi and Wi Jong-Sim put Korea DPR ahead, while China PR gained some momentum with a spotkick by Li Dongna in the 30th minute, China's state news agency Xihnua reported.
Another goal for China by Wang Shanshan put the hosts level, but Wi Jong-Sim put Korea DPR back in front and sealed the win in the 69th minute.
"Thanks to my players. They have tried their best. We showcased our tactic and mental outlook despite the loss. We had a good second-half, but fitness problems after 60 minutes limited us," Xinhua quoted China PR coach Hao Wei as saying.
In an earlier women's match Tuesday Korea Republic beat Japan 2-1 giving the team their second victory in the ongoing tournament after they defeated China on Saturday.
The first half saw Japan in the lead with a goal from Emi Nakajima, but South Korea came back in the second half when captain Cho So-Hyun equalised in the 54th minute. Midfielder Jeon Ga-Eul then sealed the team's fate during three minutes of injury time.
"Our players were exhausted and I wasn't completely satisfied with our overall performance. But a win is a win and we'll try to get ready for the third match," Yonhap news agency quoted head coach Yoon Duk-Yeo as saying.
Tuesday's results mean that Korea DPR and Korea Republic will face off in the decider on Saturday.