After finishing as runners-up in 2008 and having claimed the title in 2006, Korea DPR were automatically among the favourites for the coveted trophy at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2010 in Germany. Although the east Asians' charge for glory ended at the quarter-final stage, defeated 2-0 by the hosts, Choe Kwang-Sok's charges are optimistic about the future.

Group stage crucial
"We've learned a lot today from a very good German team. It's important for us to play these sort of games so that we can continue our development," explained Choe after missing out on a place in the last four. "Germany were very tough opponents and in hindsight, they were just a bit too strong and physical for us."

After kicking off with a 1-0 opening victory over Brazil and a 2-1 win against New Zealand, one of the decisive moments of the North Koreans' Germany 2010 campaign was undoubtedly the surprise 3-2 defeat in their final first round match against Sweden. That consigned the east Asians to second place in the group and subsequently a tricky last-eight tie against the favourites.

The future's bright
"The North Koreans were arguably the most difficult draw of all the quarter-finalists," said Germany coach Maren Meinert following her side's comprehensive 2-0 victory. Just as at Chile 2008 and Russia 2008, Korea DPR showed themselves to be a tactically and technically disciplined outfit who often left their opponents flat-footed with their smart passing game. Although the Germans proved too tall an order this time, the young Asians will take plenty from the tournament.

"The men's game is only just developing back home, but the women's is already very popular because we've won so many titles in the past", added Choe, who already has an eye on next year's FIFA Women's World Cup. No doubt a number of his talented squad will be in the running for a place in the senior side and a return to Germany in around 12 months' time.