DPR Korea defeat host within AFC U 14 [08/09/2014]

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Captain Kim Pom-hyok scored his second goal in as many matches at the AFC U-14 Championship as DPR Korea edged hosts Iran 1-0 in a Group A encounter on Wednesday.

In the match played in front of strong home support, Kim slotted home a 25-yard free-kick to seal all three points for the Koreans.

With the win, DPR Korea are almost certain of making it into the semi-finals, thanks to their six points from two games. Iran, who had defeated Timor-Leste in their first match, are still second in the group despite Timor Leste beating Saudi Arabia in an earlier Group A clash.

“After analyzing the matches so far, I still believe that Iran are strong and will make it through alongside us from Group A,” said DPR Korea coach Kim Chol-jin after the match.

“I thought it would be very difficult for us to beat the hosts, but at the end of the day, we were clinical and our defenders did not give them chances so I was relaxed and did not have to make numerous changes during the match.

“Those boys who were not used will be fresh in upcoming matches,” he added.

As in their previous match against Saudi Arabia, DPR Korea relied primarily on long balls and shots from distance, but it was one of those thunderbolts from captain Kim which paid dividends, the dead-ball specialist rifling home an eighth minute free-kick which flew past Iran goalkeeperMeraj Esmaeili.

Iran coach Heidar Sharifi was quick to defend his goalkeeper, who arguably should have done better.

“He was outstanding today,” said Heidar.

“There are mistakes even at the top level, you have to remember the brilliant saves he made today.

“We are not done yet, we have a match in hand and I am sure we will defeat Saudi Arabia and progress.

“In fact, I’m taking this defeat as a blessing in disguise as the young boys now know how difficult it is to lose a match, we will rebound,” he stressed. /End/