The Hindu : Sport / Football : DPR Korea lifts title

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Monday, Nov 13, 2006
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DPR Korea lifts title

Amitabha Das Sharma

KOLKATA: Japan's hopes of winning its maiden AFC Youth Championship title were dashed in the tie-breaker by DPR Korea, which won the final 6-4 (1-1) on Sunday.

The match played under lights at the Salt Lake Stadium here saw the North Koreans putting up a spirited show to regain the title after 30 years. The Koreans held Japan 1-1 in the regulation as well as extra-time before winning on penalties 5-3.

Japan, which was playing its sixth final, had to content with the runner-up title yet again.

The tie-breakers saw the North Korean custodian Kwang Min Ju saving the first Japan attempt taken by Tsukasa Umesaki.

This early advantage turned decisive as the Koreans — Myong Ho Choe, Kwang Ik Jon, Kwang Hyok Ri, Chol Min Jong, Chol Myong Ri — scored on successive attempts.

For Japan Mike Havenaar, Sho Ito and Atomu Tanaka scored.

DPR Korea captain Kum Il Kim was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Yong Sung Shim of Korea Republic became the highest scorer with five goals to his tally. DPR Korea received the fair-play trophy.

Earlier the Korean attack surprised Japan, which conceded a goal in the fourth minute. Chol Myong Ri showed good opportunism as he located the Japanese custodian Akihiro Hayashi straying away from the goal. The Korean midfielder sent a lob as the ball sailed over the Japanese custodian and dipped into the net.

Yosuke Kashiwagi fetched the lifeline for Japan scoring the equaliser in the 34th minute. The talented midfielder dribbled past a couple of North Korean defenders before surprising the goalkeeper Kwang Min Ju.

Renewed vigour

The break helped the Koreans recharge their energies as the second session saw them playing with renewed vigour. With its midfield gaining control of the exchanges, Japan began to dominate but the lead never materialised.

The Korean custodian, Ju, too had a busy time under the bar as he saved a couple of attempts by Tsukasa Umesaki. The action meandered into the extra-time as the scoreline remained unaltered. With the extra-time ending deadlocked, it was time for the tie-breaker.

Third place

Holder Korea Republic had to be content with the third place by defeating Jordan 2-0 in the match held before the final. Both the goals came in the second session. The first goal came in the 49th minute as Yong Sung Shim slammed home a pass from Young Rok Shin. This helped Shim enhance his individual tally to five goals in the tournament. Chung Yong Lee scored the second goal.

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