The South Korea U-20 football team faced a heartbreaking defeat against Saudi Arabia, ending their AFC U-20 Asian Cup run at the semifinal stage. The match, held on June 26, 2025, at 5:15 PM KST, took place at the youth training stadium in Shenzhen, China. Under the guidance of coach Lee Chang-won, the team hoped to secure their first Asian Cup title since 2012, but were forced to settle for penalties, losing 2-3 after the match ended scoreless.
Both teams entered the game with high stakes—not only for the championship but also for the qualification to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup set to take place later this year. South Korea had previously secured their place at the World Cup after defeating the defending champions Uzbekistan on penalties during the quarterfinals. This semifinal matchup was their opportunity to advance to the final and seek the ultimate victory.
During the match, South Korea deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control the game from the start. Han Jeong-woo led the attack, with Son Seung-min and others providing support. The match began with both sides exchanging shots, but neither could find the back of the net. Saudi Arabia's defense held strong, countering South Korea's attempts at goal.
Throughout the first half, South Korea appeared to dominate possession, but as the game progressed, Saudi Arabia countered effectively, maintaining their defensive structure. The first half ended without any goals, both teams locked at 0-0. South Korea's players had come close, but key shots either went off target or were saved by Saudi goalkeeper Al-Shanqiti.
With the second half underway, South Korea made tactical adjustments, substituting key players like Park Seung-su and introducing fresh legs to heighten their offensive efforts. An early chance saw Jin Tae-ho fail to convert after breaking through the defense one-on-one against the goalkeeper. Despite creating several opportunities, including near-misses and close attempts, South Korea could not capitalize on them.
With time slipping away and the score still level, the match moved to extra time. South Korea continued to press, searching for the elusive goal, but their frustrations grew as another 30 minutes ticked by without results. The stage was set for penalties, where the match would be decided under the intense pressure of the shootout.
During the penalty shootout, South Korea faced the moment of truth. Their first two penalties were unsuccessful, putting them at an immediate disadvantage. Although goalkeeper Hong Sung-min showcased skill with saves during the shootout, the team finished with just two successful kicks compared to Saudi's three, sealing their fate.
Following the match, coach Lee Chang-won emphasized the experiences gained by the players, who not only excelled during the tournament but also achieved qualification for the upcoming World Cup. Despite the disappointment of not reaching the final, the team's progress was commendable. Lee remarked, “This bold challenge led my team to new heights, and we now look toward the World Cup with the lessons we've learned here.”
While the hearts of South Korean fans remain heavy with the loss, the U-20 team's achievements mark a promising future. The resilience and teamwork displayed throughout the tournament underline their potential on the global stage. Preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup will undoubtedly focus on addressing weaknesses revealed during this tense semifinal encounter.
South Korea's quest for continental glory may have ended at the hands of Saudi Arabia, but their upcoming participation at the U-20 World Cup offers new opportunities to shine. The road to success often includes setbacks, and the South Korean U-20 team is ready to learn, adapt, and aim high for the months to come.