In a stunning upset, U17 Indonesia has defeated U17 Korea Republic 1-0 in the opening match of the U17 Asian Cup 2025, leaving South Korean fans reeling and the media in disbelief. The match, held in Arab Saudi on April 4, 2025, marked a shocking start for Korea, who were expected to be strong contenders for the title after a 23-year championship drought.
Despite dominating possession with 68% and unleashing 21 shots on goal, Korea Republic was unable to convert their chances, a fact that left many fans and analysts scratching their heads. The defeat is particularly painful for a nation that prides itself on being a powerhouse in Asian football.
According to the Yonhap News Agency, "U17 Korea must accept a shocking defeat to U17 Indonesia in the opening match of the U17 Asian Cup." The report went on to highlight that this loss is particularly disappointing as Korea had won two and drawn one of their previous three encounters with Indonesia at the U17 level. The last time they faced off, Korea had emerged victorious, but this time, the tables turned dramatically.
The match's only goal came from a penalty awarded to Indonesia after a handball by Kim Ji-seong. Although Korean goalkeeper Park Do-hun managed to save the initial penalty kick taken by Evandra Florasta, he was powerless against the rebound, allowing Indonesia to take the lead in the dying moments of the match.
As the media coverage unfolded, the sentiment was clear: this was a humiliating defeat for the Korean side. STN Sports described the loss as a "shameful defeat against U17 Indonesia," while Ohmy News used the term "humiliation" to characterize the match. The tone across various reports reflected a deep sense of disappointment and disbelief at how a team with such a strong pedigree could falter against a perceived weaker opponent.
In the aftermath of the match, Korea's path to the World Cup now looks uncertain. With U17 Yemen leading Group C after a 2-0 victory over U17 Afghanistan, Korea must secure wins against both U17 Yemen and U17 Afghanistan in their upcoming matches to have any hope of continuing in the tournament.
"Korea Republic must win against Yemen and Afghanistan to qualify for the World Cup," stated a report from Chosun, emphasizing the pressure now resting on the shoulders of coach Baek Ki Tae and his players. The stakes could not be higher as the team prepares for their next match against Afghanistan on April 7, 2025, followed by a crucial encounter with Yemen on April 10, 2025.
The loss to Indonesia not only puts Korea's tournament aspirations in jeopardy but also raises questions about the current state of Korean football. The national team has been struggling in recent years, failing to secure victories against lower-ranked teams like Malaysia and Thailand, and experiencing a disappointing exit from the U23 Asian Cup 2024, where they failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in 40 years.
As Joongang Ilbo pointed out, the current crisis in Korean football is underscored by various controversies, including the re-election of Chung Mong-gyu as the head of the Korea Football Association (KFA) and issues surrounding the appointment of national team coach Hong Myung-bo. The paper noted, "Korean football, which produced stars like Son Heung-min and Kim Min-Jae, is now in a state of decline, with a lack of competitive players in Europe to bolster the national team."
With the pressure mounting and expectations high, the U17 squad must regroup quickly to salvage their campaign in the U17 Asian Cup. The upcoming matches against Afghanistan and Yemen will be pivotal, not just for their World Cup hopes but also for the morale of Korean football as a whole.
As fans and pundits alike reflect on this shocking defeat, the question remains: can U17 Korea Republic bounce back and reclaim their status as a footballing powerhouse in Asia? Only time will tell as they face the daunting task of overcoming their recent failures and proving their worth on the international stage once again.
