DPR Korea's history-makers lauded by Shaikh Salman
Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has congratulated DPR Korea on sealing a landmark third FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title as the East Asians defeated Spain 4-3 on penalties after both sides played to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Final at the Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez in the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo on Sunday.
The victory reaffirms DPR Korea's dominance as the tournament's most successful side with three titles and marks the second time in history that the East Asians have secured both the women's U-20 and U-17 world titles in the same year, following similar achievements in 2016.
Shaikh Salman said: "DPR Korea have been extraordinary in the Dominican Republic and their tenacity and exceptional teamwork is indeed a tribute to the world-class players on the pitch and the tireless efforts of everyone working behind the scenes.
"The dedication of the DPR Korea Football Association to establish a consistent and dynamic pipeline of future stars must be applauded and we congratulate them, not only on this triumph, but also on being the only Member Association in world football to repeat the feat of capturing back-to-back women's age-group titles in the same year.
"The AFC's Vision and Mission of ensuring our teams succeed on the biggest stages and the achievements of our women's teams are testament to our ambitions coming to life. I am confident that DPR Korea's shining example will serve as an inspiration for others to emulate."
Fellow AFC representatives Japan and Korea Republic also put in commendable displays at the eighth edition of the global showpiece, which ran from October 16 to November 3.
Japan, winners in 2014, advanced to the Quarter-finals on their joint-record eighth appearance, where they were beaten on penalties by England; meanwhile, Korea Republic gave their all in their Group B campaign on their fourth involvement at this stage.
DPR Korea's riveting run in the Caribbean saw them register 14 goals and concede just twice in six matches with Jon Il Chong, who scored the all-important equaliser against Spain in the Final, clinching the coveted Golden Ball accolade.