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DPR Korea wins Australia Cup after Australia draw China 0-0
An 11-0 romp over New Zealand secured the sixth Australia Cup for DPR Korea over night. This was helped by a scoreless draw between hosts Australia and highly ranked China following the DPR Korea/New Zealand match.
A three-nil lead at half time wasn't enough for the Koreans as they piled on an eight goal second half performance, completly tearing the Kiwi defence apart. New Zealand had no answer to the continuous onslaught as Jin Pyol Hui scored a second half hat-trick, Jong Pok Sim a second half brace
The Kiwi's only really had one chance but it was easily deflected away from the keeper.
In the second game Australia and China faced off and it was Australia that dominated. Despite the constant pressure on the Chinese goal Australia couldn't finish off, getting into the final 30 metres numerous times but not doing much more against a tough Chinese defence.
The second half saw a penalty awarded in the 73rd minute when Selin Kuralay was fouled. The first shot saw a diving save keep the ball out but the penalty was ordered to be retaken after they were deemed to have encroached on the area. The Chinese protested and once one was given a caution for decent, the entire team walked from the pitch, refusing to play. The Australians played a mock penalty during the commotion, getting the crowd to cheer what was a fruitless penalty.
Eventually the Chinese returned to the field and the penalty was re-taken. However the gods weren't on the Australian's side, Kuralay's shot hitting both uprights before returning to her for a shot into goal. Because the ball hadn't been touched by another player though the goal was disallowed.
The final result meant the Australians finished two points behind North Korea, China third and New Zealand taking home the cutlery as the woodenspooners.
DPR Korea - 7 pts
Australia - 5 pts
China - 4 pts
New Zealand - 0 pts
25 February, 2004 |
