The Goan Network
Margao
Coach Yun Jong-su insists DPR Korea are getting better as the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 progresses after the defending champions squeezed past Oman 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Monday’s quarter-final to set up a semi-final date with the Islamic Republic of Iran on Thursday.
Yun Min missed a first-half penalty for the East Asians at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium before Muadh Al Jahdhami gave Oman the lead with 11 minutes remaining only for captain Kim Pom-hyok to head home the equaliser five minutes later and, with no extra-time at AFC U-16 level, send the match to penalties. With Oman trailing 3-2 in the shootout Al Jahdhami hit the woodwork to allow Kim to fire his side into the last four as DPR Korea also confirmed their passage to the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India as one of the four highest-placed teams.
A proud Qahtan Chitheer lauded his Iraq side after they reached the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship for just the fourth time after they defeated 2012 winners Uzbekistan 2-0 on Monday.
Mohammed Dawood put the Iraqis in front on seven minutes and despite spurning a host of opportunities, including hitting the woodwork three times early in the second half, Dawood's second 12 minutes from time booked a last four meeting with Japan.
Their fourth straight undefeated game will no doubt be the sweetest as it brings with it the final available Asian spot at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, as Iraq join the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan and DPR Korea in next year's FIFA tournament, also hosted by India.
