South Korea's U-20 football team secured their place in the semifinals of the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup after a thrilling quarterfinal match against Uzbekistan on February 23, 2025. The game, held at the Youth Football Training Base in Shenzhen, China, ended with South Korea drawing 3-3 with Uzbekistan, then triumphing 3-1 in the ensuing penalty shootout.
The match showcased the resilience of the South Korean team, who had to battle back from behind at various points during the game. Uzbekistan drew first blood with a goal from Ashilbek Jumayev just before the 20-minute mark, putting South Korea on the defensive. Eight minutes later, South Korea's Shin Min-ha leveled the score with a well-placed shot, demonstrating the team's tenacity and resolve. By the 56th minute, South Korea was celebrating after Shin scored again off a header, giving his team the lead for the first time.
South Korean goalkeeper Hong Sung-min made some fantastic saves, especially during the penalty shootout, where his performance proved decisive. Although Uzbekistan’s captain, Muhammadali Orinboyev, initially missed a penalty during the first half, he later managed to score and push the match to extra time after his team leveled the game at 3-3 thanks to goals from Orinboyev and Abdulgafur Haidarov.
South Korea's head coach stated, "This victory not only moves us forward but also gives us the confidence we need to face Saudi Arabia next week for the finals. Every match builds our experience and helps us grow as players and as a team." The upcoming game against Saudi Arabia is set to take place on Wednesday, with much anticipation following this narrow victory.
This year’s AFC U-20 Asian Cup has been pivotal for South Korean football, with their consistent performance leading them to not only compete for the championship but also to secure qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year. Since the start of the tournament, South Korea has demonstrated impressive form, recording two wins and one draw during the group stage before progressing to the knockout rounds.
With high stakes on the line, South Korea aims to build upon this success and continue their quest for glory. Football fans will be watching closely to see whether this young, dynamic squad can carry the momentum from their recent win against Uzbekistan to achieve more significant victories.
The full schedule is as follows: South Korea faced Syria on February 14, winning 2-1, followed by another victory against Thailand on February 17 with a commanding score of 4-1. Their group stage wrapped up with a 1-1 draw against Japan on February 20, securing them top position and placing them firmly on track for the semifinals.
The competitive nature of the tournament has highlighted the skills and determination of these young athletes, with many eyes now turning toward their encounter with Saudi Arabia, which promises to encapsulate the excitement and intensity of youth football.
With South Korea's next match drawing near, fans eagerly anticipate the chance to see their team vying for championship glory, hoping for yet another thrilling chapter added to their illustrious football story.