Spain beat North Korea on penalties to win second Women’s U20 World Cup

Spain have won the Women’s U20 World Cup in Poland after defeating North Korea in a final that remained undecided through 90 minutes and was settled by a penalty shootout.

Spain dictated possession from the opening whistle and looked to use short passing combinations to draw North Korea out of their defensive shape. The contest was particularly intense in midfield, where neither side was willing to give up control.

Despite the pressure and tension throughout the match, clear chances were rare. Both defensive units remained difficult to break down, with each team successfully preventing the other from creating sustained attacking opportunities.

Neither Spain nor North Korea managed to gain the decisive advantage during normal time, leaving the destination of the trophy to be determined from the penalty spot.

Choe Yon A, North Korea’s second penalty taker, missed her attempt, but the outcome remained in doubt until the final kicks. Daniel Agote converted for Spain, before Pak Il Sim was denied by Spanish goalkeeper Laia Lopez.

That save secured Spain’s second Women’s U20 World Cup title, following their triumph in 2022.

North Korea therefore missed the opportunity to become the most successful nation in the history of the Women’s U20 World Cup this year.