April 30, 2024
News

Loss to Japan scuppers North Korean women’s soccer’s hopes for Olympic return

Despite defeat, expert says recent results show DPRK team remains strong even after four years of pandemic isolation

North Korea’s women’s soccer team suffered a narrow loss to Japan in a make-or-break Olympic qualifier on Wednesday, missing out on its chance to secure a spot at the global sporting contest just months after returning to international soccer.

Japan prevailed 2-1 at home in the second leg of the third round of Asian Olympic qualifiers, four days after the two sides played out a goalless draw in Saudi Arabia. 

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