In the Olympic Games women’s football playoff, North Korea and Japan battled to a goalless draw in Jeddah. Kim Kyong Yong’s attempt, hitting the crossbar 17 minutes from time, denied North Korea a first-leg lead. The game, initially scheduled to be played in North Korea, took place at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah after the Japan Football Association requested a venue change.
Scoring opportunities were limited, with Myong Yu Jong threatening for North Korea and goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita making a crucial save. The teams will face each other again in Japan’s National Stadium in Tokyo for the return leg on Wednesday. The winner secures one of Asia’s two berths in the 12-team finals scheduled for Paris in the summer.
In another Olympic women’s football playoff, Australia gained a 3-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Tashkent, putting them in a favorable position to claim Asia’s other spot. Michelle Heyman, Mary Fowler, and Caitlin Foord scored the late goals for Australia. Heyman’s header in the 73rd minute broke Uzbekistan’s resistance, followed by Fowler’s skillful shot from 25 yards and Foord’s decisive header, securing a 3-0 win. The return leg is scheduled for Melbourne on Wednesday.
