Korea Republic women’s national team bounced back from the 4-1 defeat by Korea DPR in the Asian Games, earning a priceless point against the neighbours.

Colin Bell’s side fought out a goalless draw with Korea DPR in their second Group B match at Egret Stadium on Sunday, in the second round of qualifying for the Olympic Games Football Tournament Paris 2024.

Having defeated Thailand 10-1 in their group opener on Thursday, Korea Republic are level with Korea DPR on four points but remain on top by virtue of goal difference (+9). The Taegeuk Nangja will take on China PR in their final group match on Wednesday.

Korea Republic went a step closer to reaching the final round of qualifying, after the hard-fought draw against powerhouses Korea DPR. They can secure pole position with a win against China PR, depending on the result of the game between Korea DPR and Thailand. Even if they finish runners up in the group, a win over China will have earned them seven points that would be enough to reach the last four.

In the second round of qualifying for Paris 2024, 12 participating teams are divided into three groups of four teams in the group stage. Three group winners and a runner-up with best results advance to the final qualifying round, where the four teams will compete for the two tickets to the Olympics allocated to Asia.

Bell made a change to the side that had defeated Thailand, replacing Kang Chaerim with defensive midfielder Lee Youngju who started as a centre back amongst the back three.

Kim Jungmi stood between the sticks; Shim Seoyeon, Lee Youngju and Kim Hyeri at the back; Choo Hyojoo and Lee Eunyoung on the flanks; Jang Selgi, Ji Soyun and Jeon Eunha in midfield; and hat-trick heroines Chun Garam and Casey Phair up front.

Despite the inferior head-to-head record – a win, three draws and 16 defeats – against their neighbours, Korea Republic refused to step backwards. They were desperate to avoid another defeat following their premature exit from the Asian Games quarter-finals, keeping the North Koreans at bay with an aggressive approach to the game.

Ji Soyun fired a warning shot with an audacious effort after 11 minutes. The No10 orchestrated the attack from her central midfield position, whilst moving upfield to connect with the forwards up front. She curled a right-foot effort just wide of the right post midway through the first half.

Korea DPR, for their part, fought back with set-pieces based on their aerial advantage. On 23 minutes, Ri Jong Gum latched onto a loose ball following a corner, but Kim Jungmi did well to parry the ball away from danger.

After a goalless first half, Korea DPR came out fiercely into the second. Hong Song Ok saw her ferocious effort denied by a fine save from Kim Jungmi on 56 minutes.

Bell responded by reshuffling his side, bringing on Son Hwayeon for Casey Phair before Lee Geummin and Kang Chaerim came off the bench midway through the second half. Forward Moon Mira then replaced fullback Lee Eunyoung as Korea Republic surged forward in the closing minutes.

Korea Republic then survived the waves attack from the opponents deep into added time, as the Korean derby ended in a stalemate.

Second round of qualifying for Olympic Games Paris 2024

Group B

Korea Republic 0-0 Korea DPR

KOR: Kim Jungmi, Choo Hyojoo, Shim Seoyeon, Lee Youngju, Kim Hyeri, Lee Eunyoung (Moon Mira 88’), Jang Selgi, Ji Soyun, Jeon Eunha (Lee Geummin 69’), Chun Garam (Kang Chaerim 69’), Casey Phair (Son Hwayeon 51’)