DPR Korea vs China AFC Asian Cup (Group Stage)

Big moments for both teams who will qualify? Here’s everything that happened in the final group stage clash.

(Image credit to The AFC)

DPR Korea set us off and seconds later, DPR Korea had a collision but managed to get straight up. This match kicked off quickly, both teams were extremely feisty. 3 minutes in and there was already a possible red card being checked under VAR for DPR Korea for a foul. It was ruled out as a yellow card.

After DPR Korea had a free kick, they kicked it right into the deep end and it was collected by Japan’s goalkeeper. DPR Korea displayed their form with some new passes and formations from what we are used to seeing. DPR Korea pressed, setting a different type of play for China. Another interception for China was blocked, followed by some good footwork from China, avoiding DPR Korea.

A shot from the penalty area was a real chance for China but saved, helped by DPR Korea’s very short but fast touches throughout the whole game. An amazing delivery from a far shot for China made its way down the field but landed in the hands of the keeper. DPR Korea then got an amazing opportunity for the first corner of the game.

The game continued to play even though there was a player down. Only 20 minutes in and the game was becoming extremely physical with both teams wanting to advance and lots of pressure with an even split of possession. An amazing delivery just towards the back post for China but was knocked away.

DPR Korea sped down, a shot was there but it landed just wide with both teams consistently getting the ball from end to end. China tried to have a shot on the 29th minute but was just too high from such a far distance.

We had an opener! DPR Korea zoomed down the pitch, a pass to the left and straight into the centre of the goal. China awarded a corner, an amazing high delivery corner, headed down the pitch slightly but brought straight back up, and they found an amazing strike bottom right-hand side of the goal, and that’s a goal for China, 33rd minute.

China made sure the ball was kept between them, going up and down the pitch, having another chance but unfortunately was awarded a foul. An extra 5 minutes were added before the first half ended.

In the last minute, China was given a free kick, a strong high delivery managed to get into another China player’s foot, pass to another player and the ball found its way to the back left post. After being checked by VAR, China were awarded the goal to take the lead! 

The second half started up with a corner for DPR Korea but cleared away by a header. China took a strike from distance but didn’t score the goal. They were awarded a corner, shot toward the back post but got away. DPR Korea played out wide, took a shot but made it to the keeper’s hand.

DPR Korea, in the 80th minute, got their feet on the ball, speeding down with a clear goal in sight. They took a lovely smooth shot and it landed in the goal, making the score 2–2 and DPR Korea being on the top of the group stage table. Unfortunately, the goal was disallowed due to an offside.

An additional 6 minutes was added before the end of the match. China won 2–1, leading them to the top of the group stage.

Article written by Nailah Gajia