Amman: With Asia’s impressive force in the women’s game on display, DPR Korea and Japan were on course to carry on the continent’s dominance in an all-Asian final.
Asia was indeed the defining image in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016. From the first whistle, also from an AFC Referee, Asia’s best, now the world’s best, produced a determined spectacle matched only by the electric atmosphere in the Amman International Stadium.
Amidst the riveting action, a young heroine stood tall. DPR Korea’s Sung Hyang-sim capped the continent’s historic night with a commendable milestone of her own after winning the Silver Ball award and Live Your Goals Player of the Match accolade as she led her team to their second FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, defeating Japan on penalties after a goalless draw.
“I have a won this award three times now, this is special, but I cannot imagine winning it without the help of my teammates,” she said after the match.
True to the fervour of the occasion, Sung produced a mesmerising performance, fuelled by the unity and commitment to purpose by her teammates. The night called for unforgettable display and Sung, looking visibly pleased during her exclusive the-AFC.com, was grateful to her teammates for giving all on the pitch.
“Yes, there were some butterflies in my stomach, but when you have a team like ours, you don’t worry about pressure. We fought as a unit, from defence to attack. We covered each other’s ground if we felt we were leaving too much space and we pressed forward as a unit.
For most 16-year-olds, the expectations of the nation sitting heavily on one’s shoulders may be too much to bear. For Sung, however, the pressure merely fuels her desire to deliver a performance of a lifetime.
“When we enter the pitch, we fear no one. We are always confident. I could not ask for a better team performance. Not just today, but throughout the entire tournament,” declared the teenager. “We have been preparing for this tournament for some time now and in that time, we have grown up together.”
Photo: FIFA/Getty Images
Source: the-afc.com