North Korea defeats Netherlands to win U17 World Cup title | OneFootball

In a historic FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final, North Korea secured a dominant 3-0 win against the Netherlands. The Asian outfit was simply the better side on the day, successfully defending their 2024 title.

The final, played at the Olympic Stadium of Rabat on Saturday, November 8, was the culmination of the tournament’s ninth edition. After weeks of intense competition, Korea DPR has claimed its record-extending fourth title in the competition.

First half: North Korea punishes mistakes

It wasn’t so much that Korea DPR was extremely good, but more that the Netherlands made too many mistakes. Already in the fourteenth minute, things went wrong for the Dutch squad. Kim Rietveld failed to clear the ball, while Maud Thomassen wasn’t alert and relied on goalkeeper Maren Groothoff. But an on-rushing Kim Won-sim didn’t fail in front of goal for Korea DPR.

Four minutes later, it happened again. After losing possession, the Netherlands were sliced open by North Korea’s passing, and Pak Rye-yong scored to make it 2-0.

Three minutes before the break, North Korea all but sealed the world title. Again, it started with a Dutch mistake. Aline Weerelts’ back pass was risky, and goalkeeper Groothoff tried to clear the ball but ended up kicking it into her own net off of Ri Ui-gyong.

Second half: Netherlands tries, but can’t get control

North Korea remained dominant in the second half, though the Dutch team showed more attacking intent after some substitutions. It didn’t have the desired effect for the Dutch squad. North Korea still looked strong going forward, but with a 3-0 lead didn’t pursue the attack too hard.

North Korea defended their U17 world title against the U17 European champions with a dominant performance. They have once more confirmed to the world that they are a force to be reckoned with in youth football. The Dutch, however, are proving to be a growing power in international tournaments as well.

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