China beat North Korea in controversial Women’s Asian Cup clash, top Group B
North Korea refuse to play after VAR reverses disallowed goal, defeat sets up quarter-final against Australia
An incensed North Korea refused to play for several minutes in a 2-1 Women’s Asian Cup loss to China on Monday which sent them into a daunting quarter-final against hosts Australia.
Wang Shuang’s controversial close-range finish in first-half injury time in rainy Sydney turned out to be the winner and means reigning champions China topped Group B ahead of North Korea.
China’s reward is a likely meeting with Vietnam or Chinese Taipei in the last eight, while North Korea will have to face the hosts and a partisan home crowd.
Three-time former champions North Korea took the lead on 32 minutes when Kim Kyong Yong’s shot squirmed under the body of goalkeeper Chen Chen.
China hit back two minutes later when Chen Qiaozhu struck left-footed from outside the box and into the bottom corner.
With the rain pouring down and neither side giving an inch in a physical battle, China went ahead through former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham attacker Wang in first-half stoppage time.