September 28: Spain added another trophy to an increasingly crowded cabinet on Sunday, beating defending champions Korea Republic on penalties to win the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The final in Łódź was goalless after extra time before Spain won the penalty shoot-out 4-3, with goalkeeper Laia López saving penalties from Choe Yon-a and Pak Il-Sim.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was in attendance as Spain lifted the trophy for the second time, following their first success in 2022.
“I think it’s the happiest day of our lives,” said Spanish defender Silvia Cristobal. “We’ve dreamed of being here and lifting this long-awaited trophy since we were little.”
The final brought together the competition’s two previous champions, with Spain winning in 2022 before Korea DPR claimed a third U20 world title in Colombia two years later.
There was also quite a bit of history between the groups. Several players featured in the 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup final, where Korea beat Spain on penalties. This time the shooting went the other way.
The result continues an outstanding run for Spain in the women’s game. Over the past decade, the country has won two Under-17 Women’s World Cups, two Under-20 titles and the Senior Women’s World Cup.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea came very close to retaining the trophy and did so without conceding a single goal throughout the tournament, becoming the first team to do so at an Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
FC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “Although the final score may not be what they fought so deeply for, Korea DPR can hold their heads incredibly high. They came close to achieving an unprecedented back-to-back defense of their global crown, while showing the pinnacle of Asian football, their spirit and determination.
“To reach a global final immediately after their magnificent 2024 triumph in Colombia is an extraordinary achievement that very few teams in the world can replicate. Despite the defeat, they remain firmly tied at the summit of world football with three titles. I want to congratulate the players, coaching staff and the Korea Football Association of the DPRK for their incredible consistency and footballing excellence.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at (email protected)
