The United States Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team did what no other team has done at this year’s FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup: Hold Korea DPR scoreless in the first half. For three-quarters of the semifinal, the USA defense bent but did not break against a Korea DPR that had some threatening moments, but only registered two shots on goal the entire match.
In the 69th minute, on a Korea DPR cross from deep in their attacking third, a lack of awareness and communication between substitute outside-back Daya King and goalkeeper Evan O’Steen led King to head the ball away, but directly in front of goal, where Ro Un Hyang half-volleyed a low, hard shot into the back right corner of the goal. O’Steen appeared to have had time and space to grab the floating cross.
Korea DPR was given a penalty in the 5th minute by center referee Ionela Peşu of Romania, when right outside-back Katie Scott appeared to take down a Korea DPR attacker in the box. But, the USA challenged the call under the Football Video Support protocol, and Peşu reversed her call as the video showed that Scott had gotten the ball and was deemed not to have taken out the attacker.
The USA did have some opportunities to score, but never really challenged Korea DPR’s goal. The USA which had about 60% of the possession, only managed five shots, none of which were on target.
The USA will play the non-advancing team of Thursday’s semifinal, either Spain or England, in the Third-Place Match, which is on Sunday, November 3rd, and will kick off at 1:30 p.m. EST.
Korea DPR goal: Ro Un Hyang (69′)
Additional Links: FIFA Match Page, FIFA Highlights
Notes:
- In their previous four matches, Korea’s DPR opening goal was scored in the first 15 minutes of the match.
- Center-back Ri Kuk Hyang, who is also Korea DPR’s captain, was suspended for this match due to yellow card accumulation.
- The USA completed almost twice as many passes as Korea DPR (406 to 206). The two teams attempted 577 and 346 passes, respectively.
Women's Soccer Express 