The delight from the England supporters can still be heard in King Abdullah II International Stadium after a dramatic twist of events saw Alessia Russo rescue a point for the Young Lionesses in the final seconds of the game.
North Korea put out the fire from England’s ferocious first 45 minutes in the second half, demonstrating that their clever tactics are enough to combat strength.
The opening ten minutes demonstrated promise of an exciting game. The flow of play moved back and forth but England’s attacking line looked to be the most threatening with forwards Georgia Stanway and Ellie Brazil forming an understanding of each other.
After 15 minutes of play it seemed as though the energy of the game began to simmer and that North Korea’s quality was beginning to appear in the final third until the 20th minute when an inch perfect delivery from winger Niamh Charles hit the head of Ellie Brazil to put the Young Lionesses up 1-0.
The Jordanian crowd who continued to wave flags and sing for England did not seem to phase the North Koreans as it took only nine minute for Hyang Sim Sung to capitalise on Holly Olding’s mistake as she played a weak pass into the centre of the pitch from a free kick. Jong Sim King was there to intercept and lay off Sung putting to level the scoring.
England’s strong bond off the pitch shone through as they regrouped and continued to attack the North Korean defence. The response soon paid off as Georgia Stanway got to display another element to her game, smashing the ball through the middle of two defenders and past Kum Ju Ok. Following the number 10’s effort, England left the first 45 minutes of play in the lead.
North Korea restarted the second half looking frustrated, though England had toned down the tempo in a bid to defend their lead, the Young Lionesses were still first to the ball and using clever footwork to get around the, usually technically brilliant, North Korean side.
It was a set-piece that brought the North Korean’s back into the game, Pom Ui Kim’s shot hit wide enough, Roebuck unable to reach. After conceding England looked shaky and Fatigued, the speed of their first half was catching up on them, they began to look tired and shaky, the noise from the crowd was dampened by the goal, it was taking a turn in favour of North Korea.
Roebuck kept England from going behind with a sensational shot stopper, but was unable to prevent Kyong Hui Ko’s powerful strike. The striker almost hit the back of the net from a similar place in the 86th minute, this time England’s keeper able to hit it behind the post.
In injury time it was looking like the end for England, cheers could only be heard from the few Korea DPR supporters but in the true spirit of being a lioness, Alessia Russo rescued a point with a superb strike to the far post. It was not just the segment of the stadium that was decorated with St George’s cross that erupted into cheers of elation, locals joined in with the celebrations which continued until the final whistle was blown for the first draw of the tournament.
(Top Image: Alessia Russo of England celebrates scoring a late equaliser during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016 Group C match between England and Korea DPR at King Abdullah II International Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Amman, Jordan. (Photo by Steve Bardens-FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
