Spain wins U-20 Women's World Cup on penalties over North Korea
Laia Lopez saves two spot-kicks as Spain avenges 2024 loss with 4-3 shootout victory after 120 goalless minutes.
KEY POINTS
- Spain beat North Korea 4-3 on penalties after 0-0 draw in extra time
- Laia Lopez saved two penalties to win U-20 Women's World Cup
- Spain avenged 2024 U-17 final loss to same opponent
- Pak Ju Gyong kept North Korea in match with multiple saves
- Spain's second U-20 title after 2022 Costa Rica victory
Spain claimed their second FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup title on Sunday, defeating North Korea 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw through extra time in Lodz, Poland. Goalkeeper Laia Lopez stopped attempts from Choe Yon A and Pak Ok I to secure the trophy.
The victory avenged Spain's penalty shootout loss to the same opponents in the 2024 U-17 World Cup final. Five Spanish players and eight North Koreans returned for the rematch at Stadion Miejski.
“This team deserved it, football owed us one. We had also trained penalties. I knew I would save more than one. My teammates trusted me.”
North Korea's Pak Ju Gyong was the standout performer during 120 minutes, denying Spain's dominant attack which had scored 21 goals in the tournament. Spain controlled possession and pressed high but could not break the defensive block.
Marisa Garcia, Celia Segura, Carla Julia, and Daniela Agote converted Spain's four penalties. Lopez, who plays for Real Madrid, said the team had practiced spot-kicks extensively and trusted her to make saves.
Colombia secured third place on Saturday, beating Italy 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Spain's triumph adds to their 2022 title in Costa Rica, confirming their status as a powerhouse in women's youth football.
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