FIFA U-17 WOMEN&039;S WORLD CUP – NORTH KOREANS ADVANCE TO SEMI FINALS

WELLINGTON – Korea DPR have seized the first of the semi-final slots at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup – New Zealand 2008, with a resounding 4-0 quarter-final win over Denmark in Wellington.

It was a comprehensive victory and almost seemed inevitable from the opening whistle with the North Koreans dominating all areas of the match.

Jon Myong Hwa was the star of the show against the outclassed Group A winners, scoring two goals and playing a role in two others as the North Koreans cruised through to the last four.

Jon’s first came midway through a first half of few chances and was a real poacher’s goal. Un Hui Yon fired a long range effort at goal from 40 yards out and Jon was first to react when the keeper spilled the ball, and cooly stuck it in the net.

It was testament to Denmark’s determination and drive that they were still in the match after half time and though they worked hard, they never threatened the Korean goal.

With Denmark impotent in attack, Korea DPR rarely looked in danger, and with 17 minutes remaining Jon grabbed a stunning second, drifting in from the left and, with the ball bobbling in front of her, smashing a right-foot shot just inside the far post from 25 yards.

Ri Un Ham’s side were in cruise control now, and four minutes from the end they removed any lingering doubts when substitute Ri Un Ae coolly slotted home the clincher after a frantic penalty box scramble.

And there was still time for icing to be applied to the cake, with goalscorers Ri and Jon combining to tee up Kim Un Ju for a fantastic fourth, sent searing into the top right-hand corner from 20 yards.

It was Koreas best performance of the tournament and Coach Ui Ham Ri will be delighted with his sides form heading into the semi finals.

They will meet the winner of Japan v England which will be played tomorrow in Hamilton.

Korea DPR player Jon Myong Hwa was full of pride after the win.

"There are no words to describe how we feel after this victory. I’m pleased to have scored two goals and helped my team reach the next round.

"Once you reach this stage, you focus on the semi-final first and foremost, but you can’t help your thoughts already turning to winning the world title."

Danish coach Bent Eriksen was full of praise for the talented Korean outfit.

"We knew what to expect and weren’t surprised by the quality of their team. It wasn’t that we performed badly; I just think that, in contrast to the Koreans, we made a few individual errors and they made the most of them.

"On the flip side, they barely made a single mistake, so it was difficult to score against them."

Photos courtesy of FIFA Media/ Foto-Net

GOAL: Myong Hwa JON opens the scoring for Korea

The Danish fans were in full voice in Wellington

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup – New Zealand 2008

Denmark (0) 0

Kick-off: 13H00

DEN: 1. lene GISSEL [gk]; 2. Line OSTERGAARD, 3. Line SUGVARDSEN JENSEN ©, 5. Simone BOYE (14. Larke LILLELUND MICHAELSON 62’); 6. Louise BRIX (4. Pernille RAMLOV 90’); 7. Sofie JUNGE, 8. Katrine VEJE, 9. Britta OLSEN, 10. Amanda HOHOL;12. Pernille HARDER, 13. Linette ANDREASEN (17. Anne THIRUP RUDMOSE 81’);

Substitutes Not Used:, 11. Liv HAVGAARD NYHEGN, 16. Esther DAM SIMONSEN [rgk], 20. Nina FRAUSING PEDERSEN, 21. Tanja INGEMAN [rgk].,18. Michelle MADSEN; 19. Camilla CHRISTENSEN;

Yellow cards: None.

Red cards: None.

Coach:  Bryan ERIKSEN(DEN)

PRK: 1. HONG Myong Hui [gk]; 2. Un Hui HON, 3. Hong Yon JON, 5. Sol Hui KIM, 6. UJ KIM (15. Un Ae RI 76’) 8. Yon Hui PAE © (7. Un Ju KIM 81’), 9. Un Byol HO, 10. Myong Hwa JON;11. Hyon Hi YUN (19. Hyon Sun JANG 51’); 12. Hyon Mi KIM, 18. Un Hyang KIM;

Substitutes Not Used: 4. Un Jong RYU, 13. Myong Hui JO;20. Hyang Hui RI [rgk], 21. Su Jong KIM [rgk]; 14. Chol Ok RO; 16. Ok CHA;17. Yu Ri JONG; 20. Hyang Hui RA; 21. Su Jong KIM;

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None.

Coach: Ui Ham RI (PRK)

Referee: Thalia MITSI (GRE)

Assistant Referee 1: Judit ROMANO (ESP)

Assistant Referee 2: Maria LISICKA (SVK)

Fourth Official: Natalia AVDONCHENKO (RUS)