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Saturday, September 15, 2007

Women's World Cup Soccer: North Koreans Are a Force to Be Reckoned With

I have to admit, I'm not much of a sports fan.  I can barely  muster enough enthusiasm to watch the Olympics every four years, but somehow the  current FIFA Women's World Cup has me hooked.  My interest is in part due to signing up my son for soccer for the first time (making me a certified "soccer mom") and the mysterious, but kick-ass North Korean team. 

Not much is known about the team, since they don't allow press into their practices, and well, they are from North Korea, one of the most secretive, reclusive nations in the world.  The women's soccer team made headlines around the world a few months ago, when they argued with a referee over a bad call that cost them the Asian Cup quarter-finals against China.  The referees had to be escorted off the field after the NK goalie kicked one of the refs.  When fans threw water bottles at them, they retaliated until security and coaches had to separate them from the fans.  There was also a good deal of dramatic hand-wringing and sobbing--the  kind of big, ugly-face crying normally reserved for family funerals and national tragedies.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think this is normal for women's soccer. 

The North Koreans are considered the top Asian team, but are bracketed with the top-ranked US team.  In the opening game against the US, the North Koreans respectably tied the Nike-endorsed "best team you've never heard of."  In their second game, the North Koreans beat Nigeria, tying them for first place in their bracket with the amazing US team. 

ESPN is showing the Women's World Cup live, but since it's being played in China, you have to stay up all night or wake up pretty early to see it.  Thank goodness for Tivo. Check here for listing of all events.

The North Korean team takes on Sweden on September 18, and the final will be played on September 30. Who knows?   Maybe we'll see some kimchi-powered soccer in the finals.

--Glennia

Posted at 11:46 PM in Glennia, North Korea, Sports |

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