Korea DPR dominated the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup final in Bogota, securing their third title with a 1-0 victory over Japan, thanks to 17-year-old sensation Choe Il-son. Choe, who had already been a standout throughout the tournament, once again proved to be the decisive player, delivering a masterclass performance that etched her team's name in the history books. Korea's relentless intensity and well-drilled tactics overwhelmed Japan from the start, showcasing the superiority they had displayed all tournament long.
For weeks, there had been an air of inevitability about Korea DPR's triumph. While other teams struggled to maintain their form, Korea DPR only grew stronger. They knocked out formidable opponents one by one: the Netherlands, Brazil, and the United States all fell to the Korean onslaught. Their confidence and cohesion carried them to the final, where they met Japan, the 2018 champions. By defeating Japan, they joined elite company, becoming only the third nation, alongside Germany and the USA, to win the tournament three times.
The final, held at Bogota's Estadio El Campin, was a testament to Korea DPR's dominance. From the outset, Ri Song-ho's side pressed Japan relentlessly, using surgical counterattacks and precise finishing to suffocate their opponents. Japan, usually so composed, struggled to deal with the Koreans' intensity, unable to find a way through their well-organized defense or stop their devastating movement off the ball.
Choe Il-son, who won both the adidas Golden Boot and Golden Ball, was the heart of Korea's victory. In the 15th minute, she produced a stunning solo effort, slipping past multiple defenders and firing a shot that deflected into the net. It was a goal that highlighted her exceptional talent, and one that firmly established her as one of the stars of the tournament. Her early strike set the tone, leaving Japan struggling to find any real threat against the Koreans' organized defense.
Despite a late effort from Shinomi Koyama, Japan could not break through Korea's defenses. As the final whistle blew, the outcome felt predestined—Korea DPR, the dominant force throughout the tournament, were crowned champions once more. Their triumph, a blend of skill, hard work, and relentless pressure, confirmed their place as one of the great teams in U20 Women's World Cup history.
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