North Korea says no more protests after China upset at Women’s Asian Cup | Football news

North Korea will face Australia in the women’s Asian Cup quarterfinals and China has promised there will be no repeat of the protest at the game.

North Korea has vowed no sideline protests at Friday’s 2026 Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinal with Australia after causing an uproar against China.

North Korea refused to play for several minutes in their 2-1 loss to the Chinese in Monday’s group match.

When former Tottenham attacker Wang Shuang scored in first-half stoppage time, the referee was left in a frenzy as he insisted on looking at the pitchside monitor.

The three-time champions refused to restart play for four minutes.

“If such a situation happens again in Friday’s match, we will follow the referee, the match official’s decision and respect it,” coach Ri Sang Ho told reporters in Perth through an interpreter on Thursday.

Ri was yellow carded for his part in the clash.

North Korea are set to face a partisan full house at the Perth Rectangular Stadium against the hosts who beat them on penalties after the 2010 final ended 1-1.

With Australia’s Sam Kerr the only player left from the match, North Korea now boast a young and physical squad.

They will be looking to defend their Women’s U17 World Cup title last year in Morocco, which comes on the heels of winning the U20 World Cup in Colombia in 2024.

Talented striker Cho Il Son played in both of those victories before making the transition to the full national team.

“We know Australia are a formidable team, so tomorrow we will give our best to support each other and perform at our highest level,” he said.

“We have talent on our side and we are preparing carefully for the match. We are excited to show what our team can do on the pitch.”

Not only is a semifinal spot at stake but also qualification for the 2027 World Cup, with the top six finishers booking their tickets to the Brazil showpiece.