North Korea’s men’s football team clinched its first victory at the Incheon Asian Games, as the football competition began last weekend ahead of the official launch of the games set for Friday.
 
In its first Group F match at Incheon Football Stadium on Monday, North Korea beat China 3-0. Sim Hyon-jin put the North ahead in the ninth minute with So Kyong-jin and Ri Hyok-chol adding goals in the second half.

The North Korean players were supported by the joint cheering squad comprised of North Korean officials visiting as part of the North Korean delegation and South Korean civic groups, as the North did not send its official cheering squad.
 
North Korea will play against Pakistan in a second group match at Hwaseong Sports Complex in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province on Thursday.
 
Meanwhile, Vietnam upset four-time Asian Games winner Iran 4-1 in its first Group H match on Monday.