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| AFC Women’s Asian Cup |
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| Kim commends Korean spirit |
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| Team spirit was a key factor in DPR Korea's AFC Women's Asian Cup final win over China according to their coach. |
HO CHI MINH CITY – DPR Korea coach Kim Kwang-min hailed his side’s spirit as they edged China 2-1 in a thrilling final to capture the 2008 AFC Women’s Asian Cup at Thong Nat Stadium on Sunday.
China, who were hoping to make a successful defence of the trophy they won in 2006, made the perfect start when Bi Yan opened the scoring in the 11th minute.
From then on though, DPR Korea enjoyed the majority of possession and were creating plenty of chances but struggling to break through their opponent’s defence.
But Ri Kum-suk equalised in the 57th minute before Kim Young-ae scored the winner nine minutes later to secure a third Asian title and first since 2003 for the North Koreans.
“We got the victory because we had a great performance with plenty of spirit and technical ability,” said Kim.
“It was important that our spirit was high and ours has been strong throughout the tournament.
“The Olympic Games will have some very high level football and strong teams so we need to prepare well for it.
“We can still improve our technical and physical ability.”
China coach Shang Ruihua conceded the better side won on the night but felt their have been plenty of positives for the Steel Roses to take from the tournament.
“This has been the best game for us in the Asian Cup,” he said. “The attacking and defending from both sides was very good.
“Although before the game we had hoped we could defend our Asian title and win DPR Korea were a better side than us.
“We started well and our shooting was good but after we got the goal we didn’t perform as well.
“We needed to control the game more and have more elf confidence but the players tired and we conceded two goals.”
China, like DPR Korea, now switch their attention to the Olympic Games in August and Shang is confident that the experience his players have gained from their Asian Cup campaign means they are heading in the right direction.
“Throughout the Asian Cup I have seen that the players have gained good experience and have shown a will to win,” he added.
“The players tried their best throughout and I believe we are going in the right direction and we will improve before the Olympic Games.”
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