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S. Korea lose to N. Korea, settles for 2nd at Women’s East Asian Cup

August 8, 2015
South Korea's Lee Min-ah, left, and North Korea's Wi Jung-shim fight for the ball. (Yonhap)

South Korea’s Lee Min-ah, left, and North Korea’s Wi Jung-shim fight for the ball. (Yonhap)

WUHAN, China (Yonhap) — South Korea fell to North Korea 2-0 to settle for second place at the Women’s East Asian Cup on Saturday.

Yun Song-mi scored on a first-half free kick and Ra Un-sim added an insurance goal early in the second half at Wuhan Sports Center Stadium, as North Korea won its second consecutive East Asian Cup and closed out the four-nation event with a perfect 3-0 record.

North Korea, ranked eighth in the world, had earlier beat Japan 4-2 and China 3-2. It improved to 14 wins, one draw and one loss all-time against South Korea.

The 17th-ranked South Korea, which had downed China 1-0 and Japan 2-1 prior to Saturday, was seeking its first Women’s East Asian Cup title since 2005.

The Koreas entered the match as the only two nations with a chance to win the tournament. Both had six points apiece but the North was leading the South on goal difference. North Korea only needed a draw Saturday to clinch the title, while South Korea had to win or else.

South Korea was in control early but North Korea got on the board first, as Yun Song-mi scored on a free kick in the 22nd minute.

North Korean forward Ra Un-sim was fouled and drew the free kick, setting up the ever-important opening goal.