North Korea and Panama kicked off the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Ottawa Saturday afternoon in an entertaining display of men's youth soccer.
Filing into Frank Clair Stadium in Ottawa, it was hard not to notice the groups of Argentine fans getting ready for the night-cap, decked out in their light-blue and white striped shirts. But in this multicultural city of Ottawa, supporters for Panama were also out waiving their flags. The occasional Czech Republic supporter and Korean fan were also to be seen.
A little sprinkle of rain prior to kick-off between North Korean and Panama set the stage for an entertaining, fast-paced first half.
The turf at Frank Clair Stadium is the preferred type of fake grass where clouds of little black rubber pellets kick up when players play. It is FIFA's officially sanctioned "football turf". Balls don't bounce excessively and the turf does a good job of simulating real grass.
North Korea started off with more possession in the first half but Panama gradually worked their way into the game. The North Koreans display a very hard-working, action-packed style of play whereas the Panamanians did a good job of counter-attacking and matching the Koreans work rate. The North Koreans created the two best scoring opportunities in the first half. Total shots on goal favored the Koreans 5–1.
The Panamanians began to enjoy more scoring chances in the second half. But the Koreans weren't giving an inch. Ultimately, both teams canceled each other out and settled for a hard-fought scoreless draw. Ball possession was practically even (North Korea 51 percent, Panama 49 percent). Shots on goals remained in favor of the North Koreans 22–15. The North Koreans also earned nine corner kicks while Panama didn't earn a single one.
In the post-match press-conference, Panama's coach Julio Dely said, "We're more or less satisfied with a 0–0 draw." His 16-year-old goalie Luis Mejia, who looks more like a 12-year-old, spoke about his shutout: "It all comes down to teamwork. The ice has been broken and now it comes down to the second game."
The North Koreans were also optimistic and pleased with the scoreless draw. Coach Tong Sop Jo told The Epoch Times that fan interest in North Korea is very high due to the women's U-20 fourth place finish last year. "With all the success [North Korea is having in Asia] there are many young people who want to be footballers [soccer players]."
All in all, North Korea and Panama entertained the fans and provided a good prelude to the night-cap match between the Czech Republic and Argentina.
Both the North Koreans and Panamanians showed good skill, hard work and enterprise but ultimately, lacked expert finishing. The coaches will be pleased that their teams committed very few errors. Still, a draw is a credible way to begin the tournament and everything is still possible.
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