AFC Women's Asian Cup: Kim: We had to work hard for win

DPR Korea coach Kim Kwang-min insisted his side were made to battle for their 1-0 win over China at Army Stadium on Sunday that saw them finish top of Group A in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

DPR Korea (in white) and China battled hard as the two semi-finalists fought for top spot in Group A.

Ri Un-gyong scored the only goal of the game after 34 minutes to settle a contest that would decide who finished first and second in the standings – both sides had already qualified for the semi-finals – in DPR Korea’s favour.

Kim’s charges dominated the majority of the encounter, pinning China back for large periods and spurning opportunities as they seemingly cruised to victory.

But the DPR Korea coach insisted the game was a lot tougher than it looked.

“The weather was very unfavourable for us, it was hot and the pitch was wet, it was not at all easy,” he said.

“Physically, we were lacking. We missed chances because our players’ ability may not have been as good as they were tired.

“This match was the last in the group and for us it was not so important as we had already qualified.

“We could finish first or second in the group, that was what was at stake, but a match is a match and we always challenge so we tried our best.”

China coach Shang Ruihua was pleased with his side’s improvement after the break having been under pressure for the majority of the first-half but admitted they were up against a difficult opponent.

“I think our players performed very well,” he said.

“In the first-half, we defended very well but didn’t control the ball as well in midfield but in the second-half we changed things and improved.

“I think the technical ability of the players is also a problem but I think in the first and second half of today’s match, we played very differently.

“DPR Korea have some very good players, although 11 (Ri Un-gyong) is a bit slow and their goalkeeper (Jon Myong-hui) isn’t very good but, you know, in some positions our team doesn’t have very good players.

“We are trying to train the young players but before the Olympic Games, we need to have some older, more experienced players.

“Today, we tried very hard but I think the self-confidence is still a problem.”