Challenge to win for the first time in 13 years, stopped in the semifinals. South Korea lost to Saudi Arabia after a close game in penalty shootout → failed to advance to the final
Feb 26, 2025
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Unlike the group stage, which passed easily with two wins and one draw, South Korea struggled against Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals and reached the semifinals. In the group stage, they reached the quarterfinals as No. 1 in the group, finishing 2-1 against Syria in the first round, 4-1 against Thailand in the second round, and 1-1 against Japan in the final match. However, Uzbekistan was not easy. After a close game leading to the penalty shootout, Hong Sung-min (Pohang), the goalkeeper, won a dramatic victory with a huge save. He reached the semifinals and confirmed his advance to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in September, but was not satisfied. He had to beat Saudi Arabia to reach the final to challenge for the top spot in Asia. Coach Lee changed six spots against Saudi Arabia compared to the last selection against Uzbekistan. It was an inevitable choice considering the physical problems because they fought in the quarterfinals and overtime. Among the starters who played in the match against Uzbekistan, Kim Seo-jin (Cheonan) and Shin Min-ha (Gangwon) also started the semifinals in the attack, Baek Min-gyu (Incheon) and Son Seung-min (Daegu) in the midfield. Kim Tae-won (Portimonens), Lee Kun-hee (Suwon), and Cho Hyun-woo (Daejeon), who played full-time, were listed on the replacement list.
From the beginning, Saudi Arabia continued to block South Korea's fierce attack with a two-line defense. South Korea tried to target Saudi Arabia's defense with side attacks using Park Seung-soo (Suwon) and Baek Min-gyu from the side, but the tight pressure was not easily penetrated. The first half ended 0-0 without scoring. In order to resolve the frustrating attack, he tried to change by removing Park Seung-soo and adding Yoon Do-young (Daejeon) at the beginning of the second half. In the 11th minute of the second half, Kim Gyeol (Kimpo) was added to the offense with Kim Tae-won, who scored four goals in this tournament alone. The ending was unfortunate. I couldn't decide on a few chances in front of the goal. No team shook the net until the whistle at the end of the second half.
South Korea entered the second consecutive game of extra time following the quarterfinals. He did not stop attacking despite the physical burden, but he did not score in extra time and entered the penalty shootout. South Korea's first kicker, Kim Tae-won, was blocked by a save, and even the second kicker, Lee Chang-woo (Pohang), hit the post. Goalkeeper Hong Sung-min took a breather by blocking the opponent's second kicker's shot. South Korea also fought back. Kim Ho-jin (Yongin University) shook the net for the first time, and Kim Seo-jin (Cheonan), who was the fourth kicker, also succeeded neatly. Saudi Arabia's fourth kicker missed, and the game was balanced again at 2-2. Joy and sorrow were mixed in the last fifth kicker. For South Korea, Kim Gyeol missed the game unfortunately, while for Saudi Arabia, Ali al-Mahdawi scored the goal. South Korea sought to reclaim the top spot for the first time in 13 years since 2012, but unfortunately, it ended its journey on the threshold of advancing to the finals.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
