Defending champion North Korea scored twice in second-half stoppage time to beat Canada 2-0 and reach the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup semifinals, keeping its bid for back-to-back titles alive.
The victory at Lodz Municipal Stadium in Poland on Monday, Korean time, moved North Korea a step closer to its fourth title overall after winning the 2024 tournament in Colombia.
North Korea dominated Canada, outshooting its opponent 29-4 with a 9-2 advantage in shots on target, but struggled to break through.
Goalkeeping saves and the woodwork kept North Korea at bay, while another effort was ruled out for offside following a video review.
Choe Rim-jong finally broke the deadlock two minutes into second-half stoppage time, scoring with a left-footed shot from a central position inside the penalty area.
Four minutes later, Ho Kyong ran in behind the defense, carried the ball toward goal and finished with her right foot to seal the victory.
North Korea has scored 13 goals without conceding in the tournament and is the only team yet to allow a goal.
It will face Colombia in the semifinals at the same venue Thursday, Korean time. The winner will meet Italy or Spain in the final.
North Korea already beat Colombia 3-0 in the group stage.
(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)
