South Korea’s U-20 national soccer team has reignited hopes and captured the imagination of fans back home after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Panama in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The match, played on October 4, 2025, at Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero in Costa Rica, saw the young Taeguk Warriors deliver a gutsy performance, keeping their World Cup dream alive and setting up a tantalizing quarterfinal clash.
From the opening whistle, South Korea’s intent was clear. Deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation under the guidance of head coach Lee Chang-won, the squad pressed forward with energy and discipline. Kim Myung-jun, donning the captain’s armband, marshaled his teammates from the front, while Kim Hyun-min, Kim Tae-won, and Choi Jeong-woon provided the creative spark in the attacking third. The midfield duo of Son Seung-min and Jeong Ma-ho anchored the team, with a back line featuring Bae Hyun-seo, Shin Min-ha, Ham Sun-woo, and Choi Seung-gu, and Park Sang-young between the posts.
Early on, the Koreans looked to seize control. In the 16th minute, Jeong Ma-ho’s curling free kick forced a sharp save from Panama’s goalkeeper, hinting at the pressure to come. Just eight minutes later, South Korea broke the deadlock. Fullback Bae Hyun-seo surged up the left flank, exchanging a slick one-two with Kim Hyun-min before threading a low cross into the box. Kim Myung-jun cleverly laid the ball off for Kim Hyun-min, who rifled a right-footed shot into the far corner, sending the Korean bench into celebration. According to News1, "Kim Hyun-min’s unstoppable first-time finish gave South Korea an early advantage and set the tone for a fiercely contested match."
The goal galvanized the squad, and Korea continued to press for a second. Choi Byung-uk showcased his flair with an audacious dribble and left-footed strike in the 35th minute, only to see the effort smothered by the Panama keeper. Moments later, Son Seung-min’s free kick from just outside the arc was deflected by the wall, keeping the score at 1-0 as the teams headed into halftime.
Panama, however, was not content to play the role of underdog. The second half began with renewed vigor from the Central Americans, and their persistence paid off in the 52nd minute. Cairo Walters cut in from the left and delivered a precise cutback to Kevin Walder, who finished coolly past Park Sang-young to level the score. It was Panama’s first shot of the match, and it rattled the Korean defense.
But South Korea refused to bow to the pressure. Just six minutes after conceding, they struck back. A corner kick earned on the right side was whipped in by Son Seung-min, and center back Shin Min-ha rose highest in the crowded box to power a header into the net. The goal restored Korea’s lead and showcased their resilience—a hallmark of this squad throughout the tournament.
The drama was far from over. In the 75th minute, Panama appealed for a penalty after Choi Seung-gu was judged to have handled the ball in the area. The referee consulted VAR, but ultimately ruled no foul, much to the relief of the Korean supporters. As the clock ticked down, Lee Chang-won shuffled his lineup, introducing Kim Hyun-oh, Seong Shin, and Ko Jong-hyun to shore up the defense and preserve the slender lead.
With Panama throwing bodies forward in a desperate search for an equalizer, Korea’s defense held firm. Kim Myung-jun, who had already impressed with his leadership, produced a crucial penalty save in the dying moments, denying Panama a golden opportunity to draw level. The save was a turning point, and as the final whistle blew, the Korean players embraced in celebration, having secured a vital win.
Statistically, South Korea finished with 11 shots and 4 on target, while Panama managed 7 shots with 2 on target. The numbers, however, only tell part of the story. The match was a physical and tactical battle, with both sides trading blows and momentum swinging back and forth. According to the official match report, "South Korea’s players showed strong teamwork and resilience throughout the match," a sentiment echoed by fans and pundits alike.
The victory moved South Korea to third place in Group B, with a record of one win, one draw, and one loss (4 points, 3 goals for, 3 against). While Ukraine topped the group with 7 points, and Paraguay finished level with Korea on points and goal difference but ahead on goals scored, Korea’s fate hung in the balance, dependent on results from other groups. The tournament format sees the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stage.
With the group stage now complete, attention turns to the upcoming quarterfinal. South Korea will face the winner between the champions of Group C and Group D, whose decisive matches are set for October 5 and 6. The anticipation is palpable, as fans wonder: can this spirited Korean side continue their run and make history on the world stage?
Reflecting on the hard-fought win, head coach Lee Chang-won praised his squad’s determination. "The players never gave up, even after conceding the equalizer. Their fighting spirit and belief in each other made the difference tonight," he said in his post-match interview. Captain Kim Myung-jun added, "We knew what was at stake. Everyone gave 100 percent, and we’re proud to have another opportunity to represent Korea in the next round."
The journey has not been easy. After a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ukraine and a goalless draw against Paraguay, Korea entered the Panama match needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive. The challenge was immense, but the squad responded with character and quality. Key contributions from rising stars like Kim Hyun-min and Shin Min-ha, combined with tactical discipline and a never-say-die attitude, have propelled this team into the knockout rounds.
As the dust settles on a memorable night in Costa Rica, South Korea’s U-20s can take pride in their achievement—but the road ahead remains steep. The upcoming quarterfinal promises another stern test, with the potential for more drama and excitement. For now, though, the Taeguk Warriors and their supporters can savor a victory that keeps the dream alive, with eyes fixed firmly on the next challenge.
Stay tuned as South Korea prepares for their quarterfinal showdown, eager to write the next chapter in their World Cup adventure.
