Football: KIM at the double as DPRK stun China in women's final

WUHAN (CHN) - Towering striker KIM Yun Mi (PRK) scored twice as DPR Korea stunned hosts China 2-1 to win the women's football gold medal at Hankou Culture and Sports Center on Saturday.

With the game locked at 1-1 and drifting towards extra-time, DPRK's long-ball tactics finally broke Chinese resistance as KIM struck for the second time in the match in the 85th minute.

"I want to congratulate DPRK on the great performance," China coach ZHAO Zhengchun said. "KIM is a very wonderful player (and) we know that football is unpredictable - if opportunities are seized, they can win the game." 

China were pinned back for large periods of the first half but still created the only meaningful chance, YANG Li (CHN) denied by the onrushing DPRK goalkeeper following a smart chest-down by REN Guixin (CHN).

DPR Korea's game plan of aiming for their big front two broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, when KIM forced the ball home after China's stopper PENG Shimeng failed to collect a high cross.

"Our defence committed some errors and I believe this was especially true for their first goal," coach ZHAO said.

The lead lasted only seven minutes, however, as China's captain ZHANG Rui drilled a low shot into the bottom right corner from 20 metres, to become the first player to score against the DPR Korea women at Wuhan 2019.

Having found a way through China then began to open DPRK up, REN rattling the crossbar from 30 metres and LIU Yanqiu shooting wide when played in on goal.

That spell of dominance did not last for China, though, and it was DPRK who struck the decisive blow as KIM buried a flick-on from substitute RI Hae Yon (PRK) with five minutes remaining. 

Earlier on Saturday, Brazil won the women's football bronze medal after beating Republic of Korea 3-1. Standout player Juliana FERREIRA (BRA) put the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute by bulldozing her way through the Korean back line and bending a shot past the outstretched left hand of GWON Juyeong (KOR).

"We controlled the ball and were quick on the counter-attack," Brazil coach Ricardo ABRANTES JUNIOR said. "We are thankful for the bronze but in future we want the gold."

(Source: Xinhua Info)