Kariya: North Korea blew an early lead to fall to China 2-1 in their first match of the men's football tournament at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea failed to maintain the advantage provided by Choe Kuk's 27th-minute goal in their Group B match at Wave Stadium Kariya, located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Nagoya. China responded with goals from Zhang Yuning in the 44th minute and Wu Xi in the 68th minute to secure the victory.
North Korea is set to face the United Arab Emirates at 7 p.m. on Sunday and will conclude their group play against Iran at 2:30 p.m. next Wednesday, with both matches taking place at the Kariya venue. Coached by Ri Kwang-chon, the North Korean team is striving to win their first Asian Games men's football medal since earning silver in 2014 in Incheon.
Despite the loss, North Korea showed moments of promise, hitting the crossbar twice during the second half with attempts by Cho Ryong-il in the 57th minute and Paek Chung-song in the 82nd minute. The team outshot China 19-10 and held a 65-35 advantage in possession.
The tournament format allows the top two teams from each of the four groups in men's football to advance to the quarterfinals. South Korea is expected to emerge from Group D, but the two Koreas will avoid facing each other in the quarterfinals even if both advance, as Group D qualifiers will be paired against Group C, while Group A teams will compete against those from Group B.
The North Korean team received enthusiastic support from hundreds of fans, many of whom were Japanese residents of North Korean descent. These supporters, clad in red t-shirts, energetically cheered with ThunderStix and uplifting signs. Following the game, Coach Ri expressed regret to the fans.
"I am truly sorry that we were not able to deliver a good result to our people who cheered so hard for us," Ri stated. "Our players will get their act together and reward our people with a good outcome in the next match."