The momentum continues to build for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup hosts Canada as they advance to the quarterfinals after a triumphant 1-0 win over Korea DPR at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. Korea DPR also advance to the next round.
North Korean head coach Hwang Yong-Bong displayed confidence in his team’s Group A standings when he chose not to start key goal scorer Ri Un Sim—chances were high they would qualify for the next round, win or lose. The ideal combination to put Canada through was a victory against Korea DPR and a defeat for Ghana against Finland.
The final two Group A games were played at the same time (Ghana and Finland faced off in Moncton, New Brunswick). Canada versus Korea DPR was less than exciting in the first half, but the crowd in Montreal erupted after receiving news that six thousand miles away Finland had equalized a 1-0 Ghana game.
Canada’s goal came from an unsurprising combination of players in the 64th minute. Canadian hero Nichelle Prince picked out Janine Beckie and set her up with a perfect cross for a tap-in goal. It was the second goal Korea DPR had conceded all tournament. Un-Sim was subbed on in the second half but did not prove to be a threat to the Canadian backline, who showed their highest level of organization and composure yet.
Canadian goaltender Kailen Sheridan made momentous saves in both halves to both earn the shutout and re-established her reputation. Centerback Kadeisha Buchanan had a night of textbook defending and was awarded the Live Your Goals Player of the Match.
In Moncton, Ghana beat Finland 2-1 but the goal difference wasn’t enough to impede Canada or Korea DPR from quarter final qualification. Both teams will play on Saturday, August 16, yet it doesn’t look to get easier for either squad. Canada will play Germany which scored a whopping 12 goals in group play, and Korea DPR will face USA which is marching full steam ahead after a 3-0 win over China PR.
Scoring Summary
CAN – Janine Beckie – 64’
Misconduct Summary
None
Lineups
CAN: 1-Kailen Sheridan, 2-Sura Yekka (12-Victoria Pickett, 81′), 3-Kinley McNicoll (captain), 4-Kylie Davis, 5-Kadeisha Buchanan, 6-Rebecca Quinn, 8-Jessie Fleming, 9-Nichelle Prince (7-Ashley Campbell, 83’), 10-Ashley Lawrence, 11-Janine Beckie, 19-Valerie Sanderson, 20-Emma Fletcher (17-Amandine Pierre-Louis, 59’)
Subs Not Used: 8-Jessie Fleming, 13-Lyndsay Agnew, 14-Vanessa Gregoire, 15-Jordane Carvery, 16-Sarah Kinzner, 18-Marie-Joelle Vandal, 21-Rylee Foster
Head Coach: Andrew Olivieri
PKR: 1-Kim Chol Ok, 2-Song Kyong Hui, 3-Choe Sol Gyong (captain), 7-Choe Yun Gyong, 9-Ri Hyang Sim, 12- Jon So Yon, 13- Kim Mi Gyong, (8-Rim Se Ok, 88’), 16- Ri Un Yong, 17-Choe Un Hwa, 19-Ri Kyong Hyang (15-Jo Ryon Hwa, 59’), 20- Kim So Hyang (10- Ri Un Sim, 47′)
Subs Not Used: 4-Choe Yong Mi, 5- Kang Ok Gum, 6- Kim Hyang Mi, 11-Kim Phyong Hwa, 14-Ri Kum Suk, 18-Rim Yong Hwa, 21-Jang Yong Sim
Head Coach: Hwang Yong Bong