In a fiercely contested quarterfinal match of the Asian Games women’s football tournament, North Korea emerged triumphant with a resounding 4-1 victory over South Korea. The game, marked by physicality and contentious refereeing decisions, ended South Korea’s hopes of repeating their third-place finish from the 2018 Asiad.
The intense showdown took place at the WZ Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou, China. The match witnessed a controversial moment in the 41st minute when South Korea’s Son Hwa-yeon received a second yellow card, resulting in her expulsion from the game. The yellow card was issued due to a collision with the North Korean goalkeeper while attempting a shot. Replays raised doubts about the contact between Son and the goalkeeper, making the decision a subject of debate.
North Korea took control of the match, contributing to all four goals. They initially secured a 1-0 lead with an own goal by South Korea in the 11th minute and then added three more goals in the 20th, 81st, 90th, and 94th minutes.
Refereeing decisions continued to be a source of concern throughout the game, leading to visible frustration for South Korea’s head coach, Colin Bell. Ji So-yun received a yellow card for protesting after a North Korean player stepped on her teammate’s leg without a foul being given. Captain Kim Hye-ri also received a yellow card, leading to a penalty, in a situation where her arms were close to her body and the ball struck her hand unavoidably.
Furthermore, Mun Eun-ju had to be stretchered off the field after a North Korean player tripped her, resulting in no foul being awarded.
Despite the controversial circumstances, North Korea secured a spot in the semifinals, while South Korea’s women’s football team faced an early exit from the competition.
South Korea’s men’s football team is set to compete against hosts China in the quarterfinals of the men’s tournament on Sunday.
