The South Korean U-20 team’s performance left the media in Argentina, host of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, speechless.
The South Korea U-20 soccer team, led by head coach Kim Eun-joong, defeated Ecuador 3-2 in the round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023 at the Santiago del Estro Stadium in Argentina on Sunday (June 2).먹튀검증
South Korea took an early lead with goals from Lee Young-joon on a volley in the 11th minute and Bae Jun-ho in the 18th minute. Despite conceding a penalty to Cuero in the 31st minute, South Korea extended their lead with a header from Choi Seok-hyun two minutes into the second half.
They held on for the win despite a late 38th-minute goal from striker Sebastian Gonzalez.
With the win over Ecuador, Kim Eun-jong-ho’s side advanced to the quarterfinals. This is the second consecutive quarterfinal appearance for the Korean team after the 2019 tournament.
Kim will face Nigeria, who defeated hosts Argentina, in the semifinals at 2:30 a.m. on May 5 at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the media in host Argentina, which suffered an early exit in the round of 16, also expressed their admiration for the Korean team’s achievement in reaching a higher level than their own national team.
Argentine media outlet ‘El Dia’ highlighted the Korean team’s performance on the 2nd with the headline “Korea’s achievement, eliminating Ecuador”.
“South Korea beat Ecuador 3-2 and are still in the World Cup,” El Dia wrote. They will now face Nigeria. The South Korean team has been the biggest shocker so far at the U-20 World Cup in Argentina,” El Dia said, referring to the team’s tremendous performance.
The Argentine media outlet emphasized that South Korea’s performance was not expected until just before the tournament.
“South Korea qualified for the quarterfinals by finishing in the top eight, which was unthinkable before the tournament,” El Dia said. So far, Korea is having a historic World Cup, making the most of the opportunities it has been given,” El Dia said, adding that the team has exceeded expectations.
Many soccer fans and global media outlets will be watching closely to see if the Taeguk Warriors, who have been praised by even the Argentine media, can continue their performance in the quarterfinals and beyond.