In an exhilarating final held on November 3, 2024, at the Felix Sanchez Stadium in the Dominican Republic, North Korea’s U-17 women’s team claimed the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title by defeating Spain 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout. The match, marked by dramatic twists, saw both teams locked at 1-1 in regular time before North Korea emerged victorious in the shootout. With this win, North Korea has now become the most successful team in the tournament’s history, clinching their third title, having previously won in 2008 and 2016.
North Korea’s Path to the Championship
North Korea entered the tournament as one of the favorites in Group C, alongside strong teams including the Kenyan Junior Starlets, who were making their World Cup debut. Throughout the group stage and knockout rounds, North Korea showcased their tactical discipline, impressive teamwork, and resilience, all of which would prove crucial in their journey to the final.
After advancing from Group C, North Korea’s path included victories against top teams, where their organized defense and counter-attacking prowess were on full display. The team’s ability to rally together and adapt their strategy for each opponent became a defining feature of their campaign. By the time they reached the final, North Korea had solidified themselves as a team to beat.
Match Overview: North Korea vs. Spain
The final match between North Korea and Spain promised to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams had previously tasted victory in the tournament’s history and were eager to secure their third title. Spain, known for their fluid passing game and technical prowess, controlled much of the first half but struggled to break down North Korea’s disciplined defense. Despite their best efforts, the first half concluded without any goals, setting the stage for an intense second half.
In the 61st minute, Spain finally broke through North Korea’s defensive line when Celia Segura Rodriguez found the back of the net, putting Spain up 1-0. However, their lead was short-lived. North Korea responded just three minutes later with a goal from Jon Il-chong, who rounded Spain’s goalkeeper Laia Lopez and calmly slotted the ball into an empty net to level the score at 1-1.
The Intensity of Penalty Shootouts
With neither team able to secure a decisive goal in regulation time, the championship came down to a penalty shootout. Both sides held their nerves as the tension mounted, knowing that one miss could decide the outcome. North Korea managed to edge out Spain with a 4-3 scoreline in the shootout, sealing their historic victory and crowning them champions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The shootout underscored the mental strength of North Korean players, who demonstrated poise under pressure. Their triumph in the high-stakes scenario reflects the team’s discipline and preparedness, which played a significant role in their success throughout the tournament.
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Post-Match Reactions
Following their victory, North Korea’s head coach Song Sung-gwon praised his team’s unity and determination, citing these qualities as key factors in overcoming a formidable Spanish side.
“We’re proud to beat the best European team to become the best team in the world. We were able to win because of our unity. We learned once again that if we fight together as one, winning is inevitable,” Song said in an interview with FIFA. His words highlighted the value of team spirit and togetherness in achieving success on the world stage.
Spanish midfielder Irune Dorado also reflected on the challenging match, expressing pride in her team’s performance despite the heartbreaking loss. “It was a hard-fought final. We knew it would be a tough opponent, but we are incredibly proud of all the work we’ve done. Penalties are a bit of a lottery, and it didn’t go our way, but we’re still very proud of everything we accomplished,” she remarked.
North Korea’s Legacy in Women’s Youth Soccer
With this victory, North Korea has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in women’s youth soccer, becoming the most successful country in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup history with three titles. Their previous wins came in 2008 and 2016, and they have consistently showcased skill and resilience on the global stage. This recent triumph further solidifies North Korea’s reputation as a dominant force in youth women’s soccer, demonstrating their commitment to developing young talent and competing at the highest level.
The moment. #U17WWC
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) November 4, 2024
Notably, this is North Korea’s second women’s World Cup win this year, following their victory in the U-20 Women’s World Cup in September. The consistent success across different age groups underscores the effectiveness of North Korea’s youth development programs and their focus on nurturing young athletes who can compete internationally.
Other Highlights from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
In addition to the thrilling final, the tournament featured impressive performances from teams around the world, showcasing the depth of talent in women’s youth soccer. The Kenyan Junior Starlets, competing in their first-ever World Cup, put on a memorable display by defeating Mexico 2-1 in their final group stage match, marking a historic achievement for Kenyan women’s soccer.
Meanwhile, the United States claimed the third-place position after defeating England 3-0 in the playoff match. The American team displayed resilience and skill throughout the tournament, securing their place on the podium with a dominant performance against England.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Youth Soccer
North Korea’s victory and the overall success of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup serve as an encouraging sign for the growth of women’s soccer. The tournament attracted global attention, inspiring young athletes worldwide and providing a platform for emerging talent to shine on the international stage. As more nations invest in youth development programs, the level of competition in women’s soccer continues to rise, promising an exciting future for the sport.
For North Korea, this victory serves as both a reward for their hard work and a foundation for future success. The team’s accomplishments at the U-17 and U-20 levels demonstrate their potential to compete at the senior level, with many players likely to advance in their careers and contribute to the national team in upcoming tournaments.
