TheCable

Korea DPR won the 5th edition of the FIFA U17 women’s World Cup in Jordan on Friday, after a penalty shootout that ended 5-4 against Japan.

After a goalless regulation time, Japan’s Rio Kanekatsu missed her penalty and Kim Pom-Ui of Korea made no mistake, netting the winner for Korea DPR.

Korea thus became the first team to have won the trophy twice, after first winning it eight years ago in New Zealand.

The Nadeshikos lost to the Korean in their second consecutive final match in the cadre tournament.

Asian dominance in this competition is nothing new, and both Asian sides became the first nations in the world to boast of two trophies in the cabinet.

In the first edition in New Zealand, DPR Korea overcame United States 2-1 to pave the way to an era that saw them become the most successful team in the competition.

In Trinidad and Tobago 2010, Korea Republic and Japan met in the first all-Asian final that ended in favour of the South Koreans on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Korea DPR had to settle for fourth place.

Azerbaijan 2012 saw a breakthrough by France, who clinched the title at the expense of DPR Korea 7-6 in the penalty shootout, while Japan had to wait for Costa Rica 2014 to win their first title with a 2-0 win over Spain.

Korea DPR stands just behind them, with 31 matches played, recording 19 wins, eight draws and four losses.

Korea DPR topped Group C with two wins against Brazil and Nigeria, and one draw against England before beating Ghana 2-1 in the quarter-finals and overcoming Venezuela in the last four.