Korean storm blows Bangladesh away

Bangla Press Desk :  Bangladesh’s brave journey at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup met the harsh reality of elite Asian football as DPR Korea secured a dominant 5-0 victory in their second Group B encounter in Sydney. Against the tournament favourites and ninth-ranked team in the world, Peter Butler’s side spent most of the match defending their territory as Korea’s relentless attacks eventually broke through late in the first half and continued after the restart.

For Bangladesh, the challenge was always going to be immense. Ranked 112th in the FIFA rankings, they were up against DPR Korea, the tournament’s highest-ranked side at ninth in the world. The gulf in ranking-103 places was evident throughout the match as Korea dominated possession, territory and chances.From the opening minutes, DPR Korea asserted control and pushed Bangladesh deep into their own half. The Tigresses were forced into a defensive battle, with goalkeeper Mile Akter emerging as the busiest player on the pitch.

Korea nearly broke the deadlock as early as the eighth minute when a one-on-one chance tested Mile, but the Bangladeshi goalkeeper produced a brilliant save and required brief treatment afterwards. She continued to frustrate the Korean attackers with several important stops.

The half also witnessed several dramatic moments involving disallowed goals. In the 14th minute, forward Kim Kyong Yong appeared to have scored after a slick passing move down the right flank, but the effort was ruled out by VAR due to a handball by midfielder Myong Yu Jong in the build-up.

Another controversial moment arrived in the 26th minute when Myong Yu Jong’s header from a corner was initially saved by Mile on the goal line before Han Jin Hong tapped in the rebound. Bangladeshi players protested that the Korean forward had used her hand, and after a review the goal was disallowed again.

Despite the resistance, Korea finally broke through deep into stoppage time of the first half. In the sixth minute of added time, Bangladesh captain Afeida Khandaker was adjudged to have pulled down Hong Song Ok inside the box while trying to defend a dangerous move. Myong Yu Jong converted the resulting penalty to give Korea a 1-0 lead.

The setback quickly turned into a nightmare for Bangladesh. Barely a minute later, Kim Kyong Yong found space inside the box and fired a precise shot past Mile to double Korea’s advantage before the break.

Bangladesh showed a slightly more adventurous approach in the second half. Players like Monika Chakma, Sapna Rani and Maria Manda tried to push forward occasionally, attempting to relieve some pressure. However, Korea’s attacking strength continued to create problems.

The third goal arrived in the 62nd minute when Mile rushed forward to deal with a through ball, but Korean midfielder cleverly lifted it over the goalkeeper. Chae Un Yong sprinted in to finish into the empty net.

Just two minutes later, Korea struck again. Kim Kyong Yong unleashed a powerful shot in the 64th minute to make it 4-0, effectively putting the contest beyond doubt.

Despite conceding four goals by then, Mile remained Bangladesh’s standout performer. The goalkeeper denied Korea multiple times in one-on-one situations and produced several impressive saves that prevented the scoreline from becoming even heavier.

Korea eventually added a fifth goal in the 90th minute. Midfielder Song Chun Sim delivered a cross from the right and Kim Hye Yong slipped between two Bangladeshi defenders to head the ball low into the net.

The statistics reflected Korea’s dominance. They attempted 29 shots in total, with 11 on target, while Bangladesh failed to register a single shot during the match. Korea also earned six corners compared to Bangladesh’s none.

Bangladesh had shown flashes of attacking promise in their opening match against China PR, even in a 2-0 defeat, but against DPR Korea they rarely managed to carry the ball into the opposition penalty area. Star forward Ritu Porna Chakma was closely marked throughout, though she produced a few brief moments of skill when in possession.

After the match, Bangladesh captain Afeida acknowledged the strength of their opponents.

“DPR Korea are a very strong team,” she said. “Our goal was to play well and fight, and we tried to do that.”

She also admitted that conceding two goals just before halftime shifted the momentum decisively.

“After those goals at the end of the first half, they gained confidence,” Afeida added, also mentioning the challenge of playing in Sydney’s intense afternoon heat.

For Bangladesh, the defeat serves as another reminder of the level required at Asia’s biggest stage. Yet, despite the heavy scoreline, the experience gained from facing elite opposition remains a valuable step in their development as they continue their debut campaign in the continental tournament.Source: daily Sun

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