Spain secure second Women’s U20 World Cup title after penalty shootout win

Spain won the Women’s U20 World Cup in Poland after beating North Korea on penalties in a tense final that could not be settled during normal time.

The victory gave Spain their second world title in the competition, following their triumph in 2022. North Korea had been aiming to become the most successful nation in the history of the Women’s U20 World Cup this year.

Spain controlled possession from the opening whistle and used short passing in an attempt to draw North Korea out of their defensive shape. The contest was particularly intense in midfield, where neither side was able to establish a decisive advantage.

Both teams defended with discipline, limiting the number of clear opportunities. The defensive organisation on each side made it difficult for either attack to break through, and neither Spain nor North Korea managed to take control of the match in front of goal.

After the two teams remained level at the end of normal time, the destination of the trophy had to be decided by a penalty shootout.

Choe Yon A, North Korea’s second taker, failed to convert her penalty, but the outcome remained uncertain until the final attempts. Daniel Agote scored for Spain, while North Korea’s Pak Il Sim was denied by Spanish goalkeeper Laia Lopez.

That save completed Spain’s successful shootout and secured their second Women’s U20 World Cup crown.