KEY POINTS:
North Korea became the first side to book their place in the inaugural women's under-17 soccer World Cup final with a 2-1 win over England in Christchurch today.
Lois Fidler's English team battled bravely but couldn't conjure up another upset and will now contest the third-place playoff against the loser of the day's second semifinal between Germany and the United States.
England left themselves with too much to do after falling two goals behind in the first half.
The North Koreans had started poorly but, against the run of play, took a 19th-minute lead through Ho Un Byol. She capitalised on some sloppy English defending to battle her way into a shooting position from which she fired the ball inside goalkeeper Lauren Davey's near post from a tight angle.
Jordan Nobbs came closest to restoring parity but then, a minute from halftime, England's hopes suffered a hammer blow as Jon Myong Hwa sneaked in to poke home her fourth goal of the tournament from close range.
North Korea play better in the second spell yet hopes were raised of another great English escape when Rebecca Jane scored with 16 minutes remaining, running on to a Lauren Bruton reverse pass and slotting a side-foot shot beyond Hong Myong Hui.
It was to prove too little, too late, however, as North Korea held out for a win that maintains their unbeaten record in women's youth football.
- NZPA
