Written by Han Bing. The North Korean women's football team, predominantly featuring young players, secured victories in both of their initial group stage matches, yet the number of goals scored was lower than external predictions beforehand. Across these two games, they attempted a total of 59 shots, but only 17 were accurate, yielding 8 goals, reflecting inefficiency. Nonetheless, given the comparatively weaker opposition, they exercised some restraint. Coach Li Chenghao emphasized that the aim for the clash with China is victory, "with the goal of securing the group's leading position."

The match against China is the most crucial.

In the previous two matches, North Korea defeated Uzbekistan 3-0 and Bangladesh 5-0.

"Tomorrow's game is the third in the group stage and the most important one, as our opponent is the defending champion," Li Chenghao said. "We need to prepare thoroughly and strive to deliver our best performance." He expressed that he was not entirely satisfied with the first two matches, "Two wins are certainly great, but there are more critical contests ahead. I prefer to remain vigilant rather than complacent; improving the team and addressing weaknesses is my responsibility."

Similar to the Paris Olympic qualifiers three years ago, North Korea employs a 4-4-2 formation. However, three players from the starting lineup at that time are not in the current squad. On the forward line, Han Jinhong, who scored as a substitute against China back then, has replaced Cheng Xiangxin, partnering with Kim Kyung-young. Left midfielder Choi Kum-nyo and left defender Lee Jeong-geum have been replaced by Kim Sung-kyung and Hwang Yu-young, members of the 2024 Women's U20 World Cup winning team. Additionally, Lee Hak, who started previously, is now a substitute in this tournament. Nevertheless, North Korea retains its core defensive line, as well as three key midfield and forward players: Hong Sung-ok, Myung Yu-jung, and Kim Kyung-young.

Compared to three years ago, the current North Korean team is stronger overall. Their attacks still develop through the two flanks, with the right side featuring defender Lee Myung-geum and midfielder Chae Eun-young as the primary offensive direction. Main striker Kim Kyung-young often drops back to coordinate with them, breaking through the opponent's defense. The first goal against Uzbekistan resulted from such coordination: after Chae Eun-young's cross from the right, Kim Kyung-young's header was blocked, and midfielder Myung Yu-jung scored from the rebound at the far post. The left side with defender Hwang Yu-young and midfielder Kim Sung-kyung also contributes effectively in attack. Notably, North Korea consistently maintains high-pressure with at least 6-7 players in the front during attacks, and offensive players frequently interchange positions. In the same match against Uzbekistan, Chae Eun-young, originally on the right, switched to the left, penetrated the box, and created a penalty.

Moreover, North Korea demonstrates high passing accuracy alongside substantial ball possession, ensuring continuity in their offensive play.

North Korea utilized extensive rotation in the first two matches.

In both games, North Korea rotated their main squad extensively. Against Uzbekistan, after leading 3-0 by halftime, Li Chenghao substituted Han Jinhong and Myung Yu-jung (who scored a hat-trick) before the break, and replaced key striker Kim Kyung-young and defender An Guk-hyang around the 60th minute. Against Bangladesh, with a 4-0 lead in the second half, Chae Eun-young and Kim Kyung-young (who scored twice) were substituted with 30 minutes remaining.

In the initial two matches, key left defender Hwang Yu-young, left midfielder Kim Sung-kyung, and midfielder Chae Eun-young are all members of the 2024 U20 Women's World Cup champion team. However, Choi Il-seon, who won both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot in that tournament, did not play in the first match and appeared as a substitute against Bangladesh. Seven core players—goalkeeper Yu Sun-geum, defenders Lee Myung-geum and Lee Hye-kyung, midfielders Myung Yu-jung and Hong Sung-ok, forwards Han Jinhong and Kim Kyung-young—participated in the Paris Olympic qualifier match where North Korea defeated China in October 2023.

So far, midfielder Myung Yu-jung has been the standout for North Korea, scoring 4 goals in the first two group stage matches and currently leading the scorer chart. In North Korea's 7 official matches since 2025, she has scored in 6, including a quadruple against Palestine last year. Her total goals (11) since 2025 equal those of team top scorer Kim Kyung-young. Myung Yu-jung is the primary penalty taker, with 3 of her 4 goals coming from penalties. However, she received a yellow card against Bangladesh and might exercise caution against China to avoid accumulating cards and suspension.

The combination on the right flank, Lee Myung-geum and Chae Eun-young, warrants attention from the Chinese women's team. Their wing penetration is sharp, and Chae Eun-young significantly supports attacks. In two matches, she directly contributed to 4 goals, including two assists from right-wing crosses. Midfielder Hong Sung-ok participated in 3 goals, creating two penalties. The youngest player, Choi Il-seon (19), substituted Han Jinhong just before halftime against Bangladesh and assisted Kim Kyung-young's second goal in the tournament during the second half. If Myung Yu-jung is rested, Choi Il-seon may receive more playing time.

A draw would suffice for North Korea to secure the group's top position, so theoretically they might not push excessively. Nevertheless, Li Chenghao stated, "Every match is crucial; our goal is to win and strive to claim the top spot in the group."