Having reached the final in each of the two previous editions of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Korea DPR are no longer a mysterious entity at this age level. The North Koreans emerged from virtual obscurity to win the tournament on their debut at Russia 2006 before finishing runners-up at Chile 2008.
With the fabulous trio from the class of 2006 - Kim Kyong Hwa, Hong Myong Gum and Kil Son Hui – having graduated to take part in the FIFA Women’s World Cup the following year, it was natural that the cream of the 2008 crop, including Ra Un Sim, Ri Hyon Suk and Ri Ye Gyong, should also progress to the senior ranks. And so it has proved, with all three set to participate in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which kicks off next week.
The man who has masterminded the North Koreans’ successes in Russia and Chile and who played a pivotal role in the transition of the golden generation is coach Choe Kwang Sok, who is set to make his third trip to the world finals this summer. At the beginning of the North Korean fairy tale in 2006, Choe had told FIFA.com: “Up to seven of these players could be lining up for the senior national team in the very near future. This could be the perfect opportunity to prove to the senior manager that, in a year from now, they’ll be ready to move up a category and help the country.”
source:http://www.fifa.com/u20womensworldcup
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