Doha: DPR Korea squeezed into the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Championship yesterday as a 2-2 draw with Thailand was just enough to secure second place in Group B behind winners Japan.
Three teams were still in with a chance of joining the East Asians in the last eight on a thrilling final day of Group B action, and with Japan maintaining their 100% record wit a 2-1 defeat of Saudi Arabia.
DPR Korea’s draw with Thailand at the Grand Hamad Stadium saw Yun Jong-su’s side secure second place ahead of the Saudis and Thais courtesy of the greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned as all three sides ended their group stage campaign with two points.
Kim Yong-il opened the scoring for the North Koreans before Narubadin Weerawatnodom levelled, only for Yun Il-gwang to give Yun Jong-su’s side the lead at the half-time break.
Chanathip Songkrasin claimed a second equaliser for the Thais 12 minutes from time, but it was not enough to take Kiatisuk Senamuang’s side into the quarter-finals.
“We had a very fierce match because both teams had to win if they wanted to qualify,” said Yun. “Both teams’ put in a very good performance.
“We had a lot of chances in the first half and in the second half but I never thought we were going to lose this game because I trusted the players and they did their best to the end so I had no worries about that.
“We knew if we go to the next round we will play Qatar, the hosts. It’s going to be a very tough match all of the players will have to show their best in terms of mentality and physical condition.”
DPR Korea, knowing victory would guarantee them a place in the knockout phase of the competition, started in lively fashion, with Kim Yong-il constantly putting the Thai defence under pressure.
Inside the first six minutes, goalkeeper Somporn Yos twice denied the 21-year-old before also collecting Im Ju-song’s eighth-minute attempt.
But by the 17th minute, DPR Korea were in front, and it was no surprise that it was Kim who claimed it as he rose fractionally ahead of Sompron to meet Ri Un-chol’s centre to head the ball into the top corner.
nathip fired off from just outside the area, the ball moving enough in the air to confuse goalkeeper An Tae-song.
Both sides pushed for the winner, with the Thais cranking up the pressure at the end, but DPR Korea held on to progress by the narrowest of margins.
“I would like to congratulate DPR Korea for going through to the next round,” said Kiatisuk.
The Peninsula
