North Korea’s soccer team loses to nemesis Japan in U-20 Women’s Asian Cup final

North Korea lost to rival Japan in the U-20 Women’s Asian Cup soccer tournament finals on Saturday, bringing an end to a string of triumphs at the youth level from the past two years. 

In a close encounter at Thailand’s Thammasat Stadium, Japan edged out the DPRK thanks to a second-half goal by midfielder Momoka Sano — the only goal North Korea conceded in the entire 18-day competition.

North Korea was unable to find a way past a resolute Japanese side despite dominating ball possession and peppering their opponents’ goal with 17 shots.

Japan’s victory on Saturday helped avenge its