The Naegohyang Women's Football Club of North Korea said it will win the championship following a victory over South Korea's Suwon FC Women [1].
The team's reaction highlights the intense sporting and political rivalry between the two nations, as a football match becomes a stage for national pride and disputes over athletic conduct.
Naegohyang advanced to the final after securing a one-goal comeback victory against Suwon FC Women [1]. The club is now scheduled to face Japan's Tokyo Verdi in the championship match [2].
During a press conference held the day before the final, the team's leadership responded to descriptions of their playing style as "rough" [1]. Coach Ri Yu-il said the match was governed by official rules and officials [3].
"The referee is there, a foul is a foul, and a warning is a warning, and because punishments are given, I think the expression itself is not correct before answering the question," Ri said [3].
Ri said the team did not play unfairly, emphasizing that the presence of referees ensures a legitimate game. Despite the friction regarding their style of play, the coach remained focused on the upcoming trophy.
"We will definitely win," Ri said [3].
The clash with Tokyo Verdi marks the final hurdle for the North Korean side in the tournament [2]. The team's resolve to win follows a series of high-stakes matches that have drawn significant regional attention.
“"We will definitely win."”
The friction over the 'rough' nature of Naegohyang's play reflects the high-pressure environment of inter-Korean athletic competitions, where physical intensity is often scrutinized through a lens of national tension. By framing their play as adhering to official refereeing and rules, the North Korean side is attempting to legitimize their aggressive tactical approach as professional discipline rather than unsportsmanlike behavior.
