USWNT humiliated by North Korea and fights for third place at World Cup

Bitter: That was the taste of the US U-20 women's soccer team's elimination from the 2024 World Cup. After an emotional and up-and-down tournament, Tracey Kevins' team failed to beat North Korea, losing 1-0 in the semifinals. A result that, while frustrating, reflects the record of this crucial phase and the difficulties the American team faced throughout the tournament.

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North Korea's performance showed that they were one of the favorites heading into the semifinals. With five wins in the tournament up to that point and an amazing run, the North Koreans had scored 23 goals and conceded just four. This was to be the big test for the USWNT. North Korea showed their usual speed, organization and ability to switch from defense to attack on the fly, and at times stifled American possession.

The USWNT had two exciting games of overtime and penalty kicks before the semifinals, and it took its toll. This American team was simply not as fresh compared to their opponents, and it showed in some moments of this game. Coach Kevins made tactical changes and adjustments to the lineup, but North Korea's intensity was hard to overcome that day given the adverse weather conditions in California with temperatures reaching nearly 90 degrees.

Perhaps one of the most interesting choices Kevin made was striker Jordynn Dudley. Although Dudley was crucial in the Round of 16 win over Mexico, coming on as a second-half substitute to score the game's only goal, and again in the comeback quarter-final win over Germany, this was his first start of the competition, replacing Pietra Tordin, the team's top scorer in the tournament.

It was clear early on that Dudley had the potential to make the difference when she played a long ball to Emeri Adames in the 12th minute, who fired into the side netting. However, this would prove to be the Americans' best chance of the first half. North Korea's pressure and defensive organization made it difficult for the USA to get into the game and they had few real chances to score.

Midway through the first half, North Korea made the USA pay for a defensive error. Kim Song Ok played a perfect through ball that completely ripped open the US defense and sent Choe Il Son alone in the box. Choe coolly scored her fifth goal of the tournament and US goalkeeper Teagan Wy had no chance. It was the decisive moment of the game and the goal that took the Americans out of the game.

The USWNT switched positions in the second half and had a more offensive presence, especially with the inclusion of Pietra Tordin. She made the attack more mobile and forced goalkeeper Chae Un Gyong into a good save in the 76th minute. The North Korean defense, however, stood solid as passes and transitions continued to be intercepted, thwarting the American attacks.

The second half was hard-fought, although the USA did not get its first corner until after the half had begun and its finishing was inaccurate. Possession was even, but North Korea ended up with more shots and more dangerous chances. North Korea shot 18 times to the USA just seven – a clear difference that reflects the Asian team's greater attacking presence.

After being eliminated, the USA now has to focus on the bronze medal match against the loser of the semifinal between Japan and the Netherlands. This is the fourth time the U-20 women's team has played for third place at the World Cup. While it is a respectable result, a good run to the final was to be expected, especially after the dramatic comeback against Germany in the quarterfinals.

The loss to North Korea should be a good lesson. Now it's time to keep your head up and stay in the match for third place. After two consecutive group stage exits in both 2018 and 2022, the American team at least managed a much better result this time and has the opportunity to match its best result since the 2012 title.

The USA's ups and downs at this World Cup were clear to see, from the dramatic win over Germany that showcased the team's resilience to their recurring problems in attack, especially in the early stages of games. The decision to start Dudley was interesting, but it just couldn't make the same impact as before.

There's also no denying that the Americans were up against tough competition. Three of the four semifinalists, including the United States, were in the same group at the 2022 U20 World Cup, which shows the balance between these teams. Spain, the reigning champions, were also a major obstacle in qualifying for the group stage, and since the Americans didn't play either Japan or the Netherlands in the semifinals, they had already felt the weight of competition.