South Korea's U-20 football team faced disappointment on February 26, 2025, as they fell to Saudi Arabia in the semifinals of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup via penalty shootout. After 120 minutes of intense and goalless play, South Korea succumbed to the pressure, finishing with a score of 2-3 in the shootout, leaving them short of the final and their dream of championship glory dashed for another year.
Leading the team was coach Lee Chang-won, who expressed his team’s frustration over the result, stating, "We fought well, but we couldn't capitalize on our chances and fell short in the penalty shootout." The game took place at the Youth Football Training Center in Shenzhen, China, where South Korea initially hoped to secure their first Asian Cup title since 2012.
The match kicked off with South Korea demonstrating more control and possession from the start, yet they struggled to break through the well-organized defense of the Saudi side. Notably, Park Seung-su made significant attempts to penetrate the left flank, culminating in a shot by Son Heung-min, which was thwarted by the Saudi goalkeeper.
Despite the increased aggressiveness shown by South Korea, the game remained scoreless at halftime, reflecting their growing frustration. After the restart, South Korea continued to push for the lead with promising opportunities, such as when Yoon Do-young made a precise pass to Jin Tae-ho, only for the latter’s shot to miss the mark.
The second half saw South Korea's persistence become momentarily frustrating as they struggled to find the back of the net. A missed header by Kim Tae-won from Yoon's cross narrowly avoided scoring, leading to extended tension as the game approached extra time.
Following 30 minutes of extra time without any goals, the match was determined by penalty shootout. South Korea entered the series with hope, but two early miss-kicks by Kim Tae-won and Lee Chang-woo put them on the back foot. Despite goalkeeper Hong Sung-min's valiant saves, it wasn’t enough to change the course of the match. Similarly, Saudi Arabia experienced their own missed opportunities during the shootout, but clinched the victory with consistent performances from their kickers.
Lee Chang-won noted the bittersweet nature of the tournament. Although his team narrowly missed out on the chance to compete for the trophy, he remained optimistic for the future. "Despite this setback, we have earned our place at the World Cup, and we look forward to the opportunity," he reassured supporters.
With this result, South Korea’s U-20 team officially ended their quest for another Asian Cup title but celebrated securing qualification for the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which adds some consolation to the outcome. They had previously made waves during the tournament, particularly after overcoming Uzbekistan just days before, showcasing their determination and skill.
Saudi Arabia, now advancing to contend for the championship, will face off against the winner of the match between Australia and Japan on March 1, 2025. The outcome of this semifinal marks another chapter for them as they seek to claim their first U-20 Asian Cup title since 1986.
The heartbreak for South Korea is palpable, yet the opportunity to compete on the global stage remains within reach, inspiring hope for the team and its fans alike.