Bangladesh vs DPR Korea - AFC Group B Clash

An absolute roaring game at Western Sydney Stadium saw the young underdog team from Bangladesh go against the unbelievably fast and tactical North Korean team. Non-stop VAR calls, defensive counter-attacks, and yet another day of Australia’s summer heat made for an unforgettable game between the two Group B sides.

(Image credit to The AFC)

The game kicked off with a slow start, both teams fighting over possession and running back and forth across the pitch. 

The first bit of action came in the 31st minute, with a yellow card for Bangladesh’s Shamsunnahar II. This was followed by another yellow card for Bangladesh in the 43rd minute for Nabiran Khatun.

During injury time after the first half, Bangladesh utilised a triple substitution to bring Sapna Rani, Umehla Marma, and Anika Siddiqui and refresh the energy on the pitch. 

North Korea followed quickly, substituting Chloe Il-son in place of Han Jin-hong.

Injury time continued with another yellow card for Afeida Khandaker, bringing Bangladesh’s total yellow cards to three. 

A penalty for DPR Korea allowed Myong Yu-jong to change the score, and she took it, scoring and bringing the game to 1-0.

Two minutes later, still in injury time, Kim Kyong-yong scored DPR Korea’s second goal of the game, raising the score to 2-0.

Half-time couldn’t come sooner for the Bangladesh side, as they took their well-earned rest and had time to refocus and plan their moves for the second half.

As the game resumed, Bangladesh used another substitution to bring on Unnoti Khatun, and hopefully revive the game.

The 62nd minute saw DPR Korea climb even higher after a goal from Chae Un-yong. Just 2 minutes later, they scored again after Kim Kyong-yong scored her second goal of the game, bringing the score to 4-0.

Bangladesh could feel their chances slipping away, but kept playing with determination and a fiery passion that was clear in their play style.

After four more substitutions for DPR Korea, it was evident that their team had new energy, and they pushed harder and shot attempt after attempt.

In the final minute of regular time, DPR Korea’s recent substitution, Kim Hye-yong, scored the fifth goal of the game, putting her team 5-0 up.

The final whistle blew, and DPR Korea felt confident in their chances at reaching the quarter-finals, as Bangladesh felt their own chances slipping away.

Article written by Milla Sinfield