Asian Women's Olympic Football Qualifier: Japan hold off DPR Korea to secure Paris 2024 quota
The Nadeshiko outlast the Koreans to win 2-1 at Tokyo's National Stadium for a spot at the Olympic Games this summer.
Japan secured a quota at the women’s football tournament of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a 2-1 victory over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Wednesday (28 February).
Takahashi Hana opened the scoring midway through the first half and Fujino Aoba struck the decisive goal on the other side of halftime at Tokyo’s National Stadium for the Nadeshiko, who had not qualified for an Olympic Games since London 2012, appearing at Tokyo 2020 as hosts.
“It was a really, really difficult game,” said Japan captain Kumagai Saki, the five-time European Women’s Champions League winner and the only remaining player from the 2011 Women’s World Cup-winning squad.
“We had to win no matter what - and we did. I’m just so glad we did it.
“I know the difficult times we had to go through where we struggled to win. I was determined not to let that happen again.
“I felt like we had to win for the future of women’s football and I let the team know that before the game.”
Japan went ahead in the 26th minute. Goalkeeper Pak Jumi did well to fist a Tanaka Minami header off the bar but Takahashi was in the right place at the right time, sweeping home the rebound to give the hosts the lead.
Japan survived a big-time scare in the final minute of the half when DPR Korea’s Choe Kumok’s clever back heel from a Ri Hak cross appeared to be going over.
But Japanese custodian Yamashita Ayaka didn’t give up, batting the ball off the line in the nick of time with her fully extended right arm.
The Koreans came out for the second half in hard search for the equaliser, chasing down every possession as if their life depended on it.
In the 76th minute against the run of play, Japan produced a crucial second goal, Fujino nodding in a Shimizu Risa cross by the right post.
Hong Songok pulled the visitors within one with nine minutes left on the clock, but would not get closer as Japan held on for the win.
DPR Korea coach Ri Yuil was in tears following the match, unable to deliver for his country.
“I am disappointed we could not come through for our supporters who turned up tonight from all around Japan,” Ri said. “I will continue to work so we can do better.”
*As National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games, athletes' participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024.
Japan keeper Yamashita Ayaka with a crucial stop in the last minute of the first half.