Korea DPR went full throttle from the outset as they launched an assault on the Japanese goal. In the 3rd and 18th minutes, Ri Kum Suk attempted to head the right side corner kick, and in the 20th minute, an excellent pass was delivered to Pak Kyong Sun, who swiftly ran behind the Japanese defense, only to be blocked by GK Yamago's foot. Japan withstood Korea DPR's attacks with tight marks and balanced covering, until the 38th minute when they were caught off guard for a split hair of a second. Ho Sun Hui crossed a direct pass from the right into the penalty area, where Ri Un Suk trapped the ball, brushed aside the defense, and drove the ball into the goal.

Seeking to equalize as early as possible, Japan had a hard time fighting off the organized Korea DPR defense-the moment a Japanese player took possession of the ball, two defenders would draw closely in. A chance arrived in the 62nd minute, when Korea DPR started to slow down. Sawa sent a superb through pass to Ando, who broke away from the left to take a shot, but it was an easy ball for the goalkeeper to catch without effort. Japan then immediately sent in Miyama and changed their formation from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2. Again in the 82nd minute, Maruyama went in to form a more attacking 3-4-3 line-up. It was a risky option, having less defenders to withstand the dexterous Korea DPR attacks, but Japan was able to defend their goal numerous times in critical situations using all their physical attributes.

A breathtaking moment arrived during the second half extra time. Japan gained a free kick in front of the Korea DPR goal. Yanagida's shot hit a Korea DPR defender's hand, and another free kick was granted to Japan just outside of the penalty area. An air of quiet tension loomed over the pitch, and Miyama drove the ball over the cross bar and out of play, missing the best opportunity Japan had to equalize. The whistle was blown, and the Korea DPR women squad repeated the men's achievement with the same score, 1-0, defeating Japan and gaining 3 points.

Korea DPR head coach Kim Kwang Min commented, "It was our fist match with the new squad of younger players so we expected to struggle more against the experienced Japanese team. We are very happy with this victory." Japan head coach O-hashi reflected, "The players made their best efforts till the end, but we were physically overwhelmed in one-to-one situations. We need to work on passing the ball faster and more accurately."