AFC Women’s Asian Cup: Ri’s three books final berth

A Ri Kum-suk hat-trick sent DPR into the final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after they defeated Australia 3-0 at Thong Nhat Stadium on Thursday.

A hat-trick from Ri Kum-suk (right) sent DPR Korea through to the final

The Matildas were chasing the game from the second minute when Ri Kum-suk opened the scoring before the 2007 AFC Women’s Player of the Year added a second just before the break.

The striker then ended the game as a contest in the 60th minute when she placed a low shot into the back of the net.

The result ended Australia’s hopes of a second successive Asian Cup final appearance but keeps DPR Korea on course for a third title.

Tom Sermanni’s side were stunned shortly after kick-off as DPR Korea opened the scoring when Ri Kum-suk fired beyond goalkeeper Lydia Williams and into the back of the net.

The Koreans were looking dangerous and in the eighth minute Kim Yong-ae’s neat pass almost found Kim Kyong-hwa in the area before a defender cleared the danger.

Kim Yong-ae then set up Ri Kum-suk to send a low drive into William’s hands in the 22nd minute as DPR Korea continued to pressure for a second goal.

Four minutes later Australia had their first shot on target when Lisa De Vanna’s persistence enabled her to work some space but her scuffed shot failed to trouble goalkeeper Jon Myong-hui.

De Vanna had a chance again in the 29th minute when she darted towards the edge of the area but weakly shot at Jon and she was again involved when her pass on the edge of the area found Heather Garriock in sight of goal, but the defender failed to connect.

But it was DPR Korea who extended their lead four minutes before the break when Ri Un-suk sent a dangerous pass across the face of goal that Ri Kum-suk smashed into the roof of the net.

Australia made a positive start to the second half as they looked to get back into the game but DPR Korea weathered the storm and started to once again dominate possession.

And Ri Kum-suk completed her hat-trick on the hour mark when she broke free of the Australiadefence before despatching a low shot through the legs of Williams.

Much of the remainder of the game was contested in midfield with chances at a premium but when an opportunity did arise it invariably fell the way of DPR Korea.

Kim Yong-ae’s powerful effort went into the side-netting in the 77th minute while a long-range effort from Tameka Butt was held by goalkeeper Jon late on but North Korea held firm to seal the three-goal victory.