North Korea book first World Cup semi spot

North Korea has seized the first of the women's under-17 World Cup semi-final slots with a resounding 4-0 quarter-final win over Denmark in Wellington.

Jon Myong Hwa was the star of the show against the outclassed Group A winners, scoring two goals and playing a role in two others as the North Koreans cruised through to the last four.

Jon's first came midway through a first half of few chances, when she nipped in to pounce after Lene Gissel had spilled Un Hui Yon's long-range shot.

With Denmark impotent in attack, North Korea rarely looked in danger, and with 17 minutes remaining Jon grabbed a stunning second, drifting in from the left and, with the ball bobbling in front of her, smashing a right-foot shot just inside the far post from 25 yards.

Ri Un Ham's side were in cruise control now, and four minutes from the end they removed any lingering doubts when substitute Ri Un Ae coolly slotted home the clincher after a frantic penalty box scramble.

There was still time for icing to be applied to the cake, with goalscorers Ri and Jon combining to tee up Kim Un Ju for a fantastic fourth, sent searing into the top right-hand corner from 20 yards.

- NZPA