This semi-final match of the U17 Women's World Cup held in the Dominican Republic has once again brought the North Korean women's football team into the spotlight. Although the game against the United States started off calmly, the breathtaking goal that occurred in the 69th minute of the second half pushed the rhythm of the match to a climax.
North Korea's No. 19 player, Lu Enxiang, an inconspicuous young girl, suddenly struck a beautiful volley from outside the penalty area, like an arrow piercing the air and accurately hitting the American goal, instantly changing the score to 1:0.
This goal not only stunned the opponents but also made the audience at the scene and in front of the screen cheer spontaneously.
Relying on this single goal, the North Korean women's football team eventually defeated the United States 1:0 and advanced to the final.
The game started with both sides evenly matched. The strength of the North Korean team and the American team was comparable, with tight defense and a sense of mutual competition during the transitions between offense and defense.
The American team showed strong defense and fast-paced offense right from the start, while the North Korean team was clearly not intimidated, with the players giving their all, using speed and agility to counter their opponents.
Throughout the first half, the United States tried several times to break through the North Korean defense with cooperation, but the North Korean team always held firm, blocking every threat and even making the opponent return empty-handed multiple times.
However, the turning point of this match undoubtedly appeared in the second half with that stunning volley. Lu Enxiang's shot from outside the penalty area seemed destined to pierce the air and hit the fatal weakness of the American team.
That ball was scored so decisively that everyone on the field seemed to stop in their tracks, their eyes following the trajectory of the football. The moment the ball went in, the American goalkeeper didn't even have time to react, directly being penetrated by the defense.
This goal not only changed the score but also altered the rhythm of the entire match. The American team appeared somewhat anxious in the time that followed, eager to catch up in scoring, which instead led to frequent mistakes. On the other hand, North Korea began to control the rhythm more steadily until the end of the game.
After the match, many netizens expressed different opinions about the performance of the North Korean women's football team.
One netizen commented: "The tenacity of the North Korean women's football team is truly admirable, especially Lu Enxiang's volley, which almost locked in the victory in advance!
Although the American women's football team is strong, they obviously couldn't find a way to break through the North Korean team's strong defense.
The performance of the North Korean women's football team in this World Cup can be said to be a model for all teams."
He also mentioned the outstanding achievements of North Korea in the group stage, defeating Mexico, Kenya, and England with scores of 4:1, 3:0, and 4:0 respectively, and then winning two matches 1:0 against Poland and the United States in the knockout stage. In five games, they scored a total of 13 goals and only conceded 1, a performance that is indeed breathtaking.
Another netizen commented from the perspective of tactical execution: "The transition between defense and offense of the North Korean women's football team is very smooth, showing that the coach has a unique insight into tactical arrangements.
Especially at critical moments in the game, the players' execution and physical fitness were maintained well, showing no signs of fatigue.
This team cohesion made it difficult for the American team to find a breakthrough point. Facing such a strong defensive line, they could almost only rely on individual skills or unexpected opportunities to score.
The victory of the North Korean women's football team is really not accidental."
This match is not only a step for the North Korean women's football team towards the final but also makes people marvel at the potential of Asian women's football.
As the only Asian team to advance to the semi-finals, the North Korean women's football team carries many expectations, and they did not disappoint.
They have overcome obstacles one after another, and with their strong strength, they have once again shown the world their competitiveness.
Although this is only a U17 event, the North Korean women's football team has been continuously creating their own history, and their performance in this match also makes people look forward to what surprises they will bring in the final.
Many netizens have also turned their attention to the current situation of Chinese women's football.
A netizen commented emotionally: "Seeing the performance of the North Korean women's football team, I can't help but worry about the future of Chinese women's football.
Chinese women's football once had a glorious history, known as the 'Steel Roses,' but now they can't even maintain a top-three position in Asia.
In the U17 World Cup group stage in 2022, they won one and lost two, failing to qualify, and in this U17 Asian Cup qualifying round, they lost consecutively to North Korea and South Korea, even missing out on the World Cup.
Where should our women's football go in the future?"
This netizen's comment resonated with many people and prompted more thoughts about the development of Chinese women's football.
For the North Korean women's football team, the upcoming final is undoubtedly their biggest test.
They will face the winner between Spain and England, and no matter who the opponent is, the North Korean team must be prepared.
Both European powerhouses are not to be underestimated in terms of offense and defense, but the North Korean women's football team has already proven themselves in previous matches.
Now, they are only one step away from the championship. Can they continue their glory and become the team to lift the trophy for the third time?
This is undoubtedly the most anticipated focus in the coming days.
Some netizens also proposed a different perspective, believing that the success of the North Korean women's football team is inseparable from their training system and selection mechanism.
He commented: "The North Korean women's football system is strict, with both physical and skill training in place.
Compared to our country's youth training system, this targeted cultivation may be more suitable for fostering top football talents.
Although our Chinese women's football youth training system is also working hard to reform, there are still many areas that need improvement in the connection from the grassroots to the national team.
The success of North Korea is actually a signal that Asian teams do have the opportunity to ascend to the world stage; the key lies in how to discover and cultivate these future stars."
This viewpoint undoubtedly brings new thinking to many people, and the growth experience of the North Korean women's football team may provide some references and inspirations for other countries.
After this intense confrontation, the outstanding performance of the North Korean women's football team has made them the focus of attention in Asia and even globally, while the future of Chinese women's football also causes concern.
We hope that the North Korean team can continue to strive in the final to shine for Asian women's football, and we also hope that Chinese women's football can find a path suitable for its own development in the future and make continuous progress.
The road to football is not easy, but it is the desire and persistence for victory that truly drives this sport forward.