DPR Korea thrash Chinese Taipei 4-0 to seal FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 spot

DPR Korea qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

DPR Korea delivered a dominant performance to secure their place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, thrashing Chinese Taipei 4-0 in their playoff clash at the Gold Coast Stadium on Thursday.

Led by a sensational hat-trick from Hong Song Ok, DPR Korea marked their return to the global stage for the first time since 2011 in emphatic fashion.

While they celebrate qualification, Chinese Taipei’s hopes remain alive, with a final chance to reach the tournament through the Inter-Confederation Playoffs in 2026.

A well contested first half

DPR Korea went on the offensive from the start with Song Ok angling her shot over the bar in the third minute, while Chae Un Yong pulled her effort from inside the box wide moments later.

The East Asian side stayed compact in a low defensive block with Cheng Ssu-yu pulling off a fine save to deny Ri Hak in the 16th minute before Chen Jin-Wen came to the custodian’s rescue a minute later after she spilled the ball.

Cheng was put to the test again two minutes later when she made a point-blank save to foil Kim Kyong Yong’s volleyed attempt in the 18th minute and later efforts from Hwang Yu Yong and Song Ok.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 32nd minute when Kim Kyong Yong supplied the cross for Song Ok to power home a header past a rooted Cheng to give DPR Korea a deserved advantage heading into the break.

Second half domination by DPR Korea

Chinese Taipei’s hopes of mounting a fightback were dashed four minutes into the second half following a well-orchestrated move on the left, with Choe Il-Son setting up Song Ok to finish with a thumping header.

DPR Korea went further ahead in the 52nd minute with Jon Ryong Jong sending a cross for Kim Kyong Yong at the far post to nod home before Song Ok completed her hat-trick in the 68th, finishing Ri Myong Gum’s deflected shot with a powerful finish from inside the box.

The East Asian side could have pulled one back in the 75th minute but Chen Yu-Chin struck the crossbar from distance as DPR Korea saw out the convincing victory.

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