Ireland 0 – North Korea 5
A very talented North Korean side proved too strong for Ireland’s Women’s Football team in the semi-final of the World University Games yesterday evening in the Stadio Arechi in Salerno. However, the Irish girls still have a shot at a medal as they take on Russia in the Bronze Medal Match on Friday afternoon at 4pm in Stadio Ciro, Vigorito.
North Korea were ahead in the 15th minute as Jong Sim Wi, first saw her effort brilliantly saved by Amanda McQuillan, before the talented Korean forward pounced on the rebound to put her side in front.
The lead was doubled on the 29th minute as Sung was picked out by Jong Sim Wi to coolly slot home. Ireland did try to play football and created several half chances with the best chance a glancing header from Shauna Fox that went over the bar, with North Korea leading 2-0 at the break.
Ireland needed an early goal in the second half to get back in the contest, but it was to be the Korean’s who would hit the net again on the 58th minute through Ri, before the lead was four goals as Jong Sim Wi scored her second of the game as her effort deflected over the reach of Amanda McQuillan.
The final goal of the game was a brilliant free kick from So
Yon Jon that nestled into the top corner.
Ireland battled bravely throughout but found this very talented North Korean
side a step above anything else they have played in the competition. Focus now
switches to the final game of the competition for Ireland when they will go for
bronze against Russia on Friday afternoon.
Ireland: Amanda McQuillan, Lauren
Dwyer (Ciara McNamara 62), Shauna Fox, Sadhbh Doyle, Chloe Mustaki, Niamh Farrelly,
Lauren Kelly (Gemma McGuinness HT), Megan Smyth-Lynch (Lynn Craven 55), Jessica
Gargan (Lauryn O’Callaghan 69), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle, Aislinn Meaney.