North Korea beat China 3-2 at the women's East Asian Cup in Wuhan on Tuesday, meaning the team will now face off with political foe South Korea in the finals. Early goals by Kim Yun-Mi and Wi Jong-Sim put North Korea ahead, while China gained some momentum with a spotkick by Li Dongna in the 30th minute, China's state news agency Xihnua reported. Another goal for China by Wang Shanshan put the hosts level, but Wi Jong Sim put the North back in front and sealed the win in the 69th minute.
"Thanks to my players. They have tried their best. We showcased our tactic and mental outlook despite the loss. We had a good second-half, but fitness problems after 60 minutes limited us," Xinhua quoted China coach Hao Wei as saying. In an earlier women's match Tuesday South Korea beat Japan 2-1 giving the team their second victory in the ongoing tournament after they defeated China on Saturday. The first half saw Japan in the lead with a goal from Emi Nakajima, but South Korea came back in the second half when captain Cho So-Hyun equalised in the 54th minute.
Midfielder Jeon Ga-Eul then sealed the team's fate during three minutes of injury time. "Our players were exhausted and I wasn't completely satisfied with our overall performance. But a win is a win and we'll try to get ready for the third match," Yonhap news agency quoted head coach Yoon Duk-Yeo as saying.
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