Dominant Korea DPR Decimate Hosts Morocco in U-17 WWC Knockout Stage Rout

Reigning champions Korea DPR left no doubt about their title defense, romping to a decisive victory against host nation Morocco.

Korea DPR immediately signaled their intent, scoring with their first attack when Morocco failed to clear and Yu Jong-hyang headed powerfully into the net. The advantage was quickly doubled when Kim Won-sim showed brilliant awareness, finishing with a clever back-heel following a corner kick.

The holders tacked on two more shortly before half-time. Ri Kyong-im first swung a direct free-kick into the left side of the net. Then, misfortune struck the hosts when goalkeeper Salma Assahl spilled a cross, leading to an Imene Diyen own goal right in front of the goalmouth.

Korea DPR captain Ri Jin-a joined the scoring in the second half, lashing home a left-footed laser. Yu Jong-hyang then bagged her second after another Assahl fumble from a free-kick resulted in an easy tap-in. Morocco managed a late consolation goal when Maissane Ferkous slotted home a rebound, but it was too little, too late.

Post-Match Reaction

“First of all, we passed the group stage. It was wonderful for us, it was a dream. We had not at all expected this match to turn out like that, of course. We were expecting to win. We gave it our all, we prepared well… But I think it’s mostly mental fatigue. We have young players… They are little, they still have a lot to learn. And I am sure that next year, they will do much better, and they will make a big impact. Remember that.”

— Maryam Rahmoune, Morocco defender

“My players are very young, but I feel they improve match by match. Participating in this kind of tournament, which combines physical skill, tactical understanding, and mental strength, helps the players grow. And it’s obvious that the players can still become even better.” Pak Song-jin, Korea DPR head coach.