They share the lead with Gambia.
Kim Eun-Joong’s South Korea U-20 team defeated France 2-1 in their first match of Group F at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023 at the Mendoza Stadium in Argentina on Wednesday (July 23). It was the first win of the tournament against the French powerhouse, boosting their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
The U-20 World Cup features 24 nations competing in six groups of four teams. The first and second place finishers in each group are joined by the four best-performing teams from the third place group to form the round of 16.
Kim Eun-jung-ho is looking to repeat his glory from four years ago, when South Korea, led by Lee Kang-in (Mallorca), reached the final of the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and finished as runners-up.
Facing powerhouse France, South Korea put up a valiant fight. In the ninth minute, Lee Young-joon (Gimcheon Sangmu) opened the scoring with a bold shot after stealing the ball from the opposition. Gaining momentum, Korea scored the first goal with a sharp counterattack.
In the 22nd minute, France’s corner kick was well blocked. They then went on the counterattack. Kim Yong-hak (Portimonense) broke down the flank and sent a pass into the center void. Lee Seung-won (Gangwon FC) faced the goalkeeper and calmly rattled the net.
After Korea’s first goal, France’s offense intensified. They used their speed and strength to threaten the Korean goal. Korea had a close call early in the second half. A header from an opponent’s cross was headed towards the goal. Kim Jun-hong (Gimcheon) made a narrow save to preserve the lead.
After surviving the crisis, South Korea made one more run. In the 19th minute of the second half, Lee Young-joon finished a ball from a free kick by Lee Seung-won with a header.
Joy also had a goal disallowed due to a questionable call. In the 25th minute, Kim Jun-hong and Malamin Efekele collided on an opposing cross. The referee warned Kim Jun-hong and awarded a penalty kick. It was a questionable call as possession of the ball was not clear. Alain Birginius stepped up to take the spot kick and fooled the goalkeeper. 토토사이트
South Korea withstood the French offense for the remainder of the game to record a valuable victory. It was their first win of the tournament against the French powerhouse.
Meanwhile, The Gambia and Honduras were also split, but it was The Gambia who took the early lead. Less than a minute into the game, Adama Boyang found the back of the net from mid-range. Honduras responded quickly. In the fifth minute, Marco Aseituno equalized with a header.
The game was decided in the final minutes. In the 39th minute, Boyang scored the game-winner after his first header was blocked. Honduras appeared to equalize in the 43rd minute, but video assistant referee (VAR) pointed to offside.
South Korea and Gambia (3+3) remain tied atop the standings with three points. They are followed by France and Honduras (0+0).
South Korea, who have one point, will face Honduras, who also have one point, in their second group game at 6 a.m. on June 26.