The South Korean U-20 football team faced disappointment on February 26, 2025, as they fell to Saudi Arabia 2-3 in the penalty shootout of the semifinals of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup, which took place at the Youth Football Training Center in Shenzhen, China.
Under the management of coach Lee Chang-won, the team had their eyes set on not only advancing to the finals but also securing their place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup scheduled for later this year. This match was pivotal as it marked South Korea’s ambition to end their 13-year wait for the U-20 Asian Cup title, the last of which they won back in 2012.
The South Korean squad had previously triumphed over Uzbekistan, winning through penalty kicks after both regular and extra time ended 3-3, which qualified them for the semifinals. Coach Lee expressed pride as his players overcame significant hurdles to reach this point, stating, "I feel grateful and emotional. We will prepare well for the semifinals and finals," as reported by Korea Daily.
Fans were hopeful as the South Korean team entered the match against the Saudis, known for their solid defensive tactics. The game got off to a promising start for South Korea, which dominated possession early on but struggled to convert their opportunities. Despite having significant chances, including several attempts on goal from players like Han Jung-woo, the team could not break the deadlock. Their best chances came through headers and challenging shots, but the Saudi defense held firm, and the first half ended scoreless.
Coach Lee made tactical adjustments at halftime, but the second period yielded no goals either. "We showed strong build-up play throughout the tournament," Lee noted, emphasizing the efforts of his team, as reported by 한국축구협회. Captain Kim Tae-won added to the optimism, saying, "Now our goal is to win the semifinals," emphasizing their determination as they eyed the much-coveted final match.
Both teams showcased their defensive strategies as the minutes ticked away, leading to extra time. South Korea maintained pressure but failed to find the back of the net, eventually sending the match to penalties. There, the tension mounted as Kim Tae-won stepped up first, but his shot was saved by the Saudi goalkeeper. The second penalty taker, Lee Chang-woo, also missed his attempt, hitting the post.
Although South Korea’s goalkeeper Hong Seong-min saved the Saudis’ second shot, the momentum shifted back to the penalty kick takers, and the match walked the fine line of pressure and responsibility. The shootout ended 2-3 against South Korea, with Kim Kyul's attempt saved to seal the defeat for the team.
Disappointment was palpable as players and coaching staff grappled with the outcome. Despite not reaching the finals, there was solace found in their earlier achievement of qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Coach Lee acknowledged this success with pride, stating, "We have achieved our first goal of qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup," underscoring the significance of their overall campaign.
The U-20 World Cup will be held later this September, and as South Korea looks forward, they will also reflect on their hard-fought battles throughout the tournament. Despite the heartache of the semifinal loss, the South Korean U-20 team aims to regroup and set their eyes on the future. The road may have been rocky this time, but with the commitment and passion displayed by the players, there is hope for victory yet to come.