Ri Hae Yon scored a hat-trick as Korea DPR defeated Nigeria 3-0 to finish top of Group C at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016 and progress to the quarter-final stage unbeaten.
Hot-shot Ri bagged a first-half double before notching her third on 83 minutes, bringing her tally to four goals in two games, as Korea DPR capped off a commanding victory at the Amman International Stadium.
Nigeria started brightly with Rasheedat Ajibade, a menace throughout the opening 45 minutes with her blistering pace, forcing Ok Kum Ju to make a number of early stops.
Despite early pressure from Nigeria, it was Korea DPR who took the lead on the half-hour mark. Ko Kyong Hui made a tackle on the halfway line and sent a long pass over the Nigeria defence, where Ri got onto the end of the bouncing ball and fired past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Korea DPR then doubled their advantage shortly before the break through Ri’s second of the day, who capped off a well-worked team move by slotting home from close range.
Ri then completed her hat-trick on 83 minutes after receiving Kim Jong Sim’s free-kick in the area and slotting a side-footed effort past Nnadozie.