French media is shocked by the loss to South Korea. However, they recognized Korea’s “practical soccer”. As for the penalty kick, which was awarded in a dubious decision, it was “generously given”.
South Korea’s U-20 national soccer team, led by head coach Kim Eun-joong, won 2-1 against France in their first Group F match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 at the Mendoza Stadium in Mendoza, Argentina, at 3 a.m. ET on June 23.
‘One goal, one assist’ Lee Seung-won was the star of the show, with his ability to capitalize on counter-attacking chances and his kicking ability shining through. In the 22nd minute, Kang Sung-jin picked up a loose ball in the midst of a French corner, passed it to Kim Yong-hak, who was running down the left flank, and finally, Lee Seung-won, who was running into the box together, took possession of the ball and split the French goal with a low, quick shot.
Korea added a second goal. In the 19th minute of the second half, Lee Young-joon scored a header from a free kick. The player who sent the ball up was Lee Seung-won, the man who scored the first goal.
With a two-goal lead, South Korea suffered a setback. In the 21st minute of the second half, goalkeeper Kim Jun-hong and “substitute” Efekeler went down in a ball contest. Kim was hit in the face by an opponent’s shoulder and remained on the ground for a while, complaining of pain, but the referee gave him a warning and awarded a penalty kick to France.
Before Kim could fully recover, South Korea conceded a penalty corner to kicker Birginius. But it didn’t change the outcome. South Korea held on for a comfortable win.
French media outlet Le Parisien said after the game that they were “surprised by Korea” and that “the French team wanted to avoid defeat against Korea, but they were clumsy in the air.”
On the day, South Korea was numerically outplayed by France. They had more than double the ball possession (30%-57%) and shots (9-23). However, the number of shots on goal was equalized at 5-6.
Taking advantage of counterattacks and set-piece situations, which were considered “game-changers” before the match, South Korea played efficient and practical soccer to earn the most important victory heading into the Round of 16.
“It’s not only (dominating the game) that leads to goals,” Le Parisien pointed out, adding that “this is the first lesson (France) learned from the first leg.”
The publication also mentioned Lee Seung-won, who scored the first goal. “He scored with a lightning counterattack,” the media said.
“The penalty kick was generously awarded by the referee due to a foul by goalkeeper Kim Jun-hong on Efekeler,” it said.
Finally, the media emphasized that “there should be no more errors in future matches 메이저놀이터.”
Today’s win over France is “historic” for South Korea. According to the FIFA website, South Korea hasn’t beaten a European team at the U-20 World Cup in 20 years.
It is also the first time South Korea has beaten France at a FIFA U-20 World Cup. South Korea and France were meeting for the third time in their history.
The first time the teams met was in 1997 in Malaysia, where Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet both scored as France defeated South Korea 4-2. France also won 3-1 in Colombia in 2011.
It was also the first time in six years that South Korea had won their first group game at a U-20 World Cup since a 3-0 victory over Guinea at the 2017 tournament in South Korea. ‘Runner-up finish’ At the 2019 tournament in Poland, South Korea lost 0-1 to Portugal in their first group game. They then defeated South Africa and Argentina 1-0 and 2-1, respectively, to finish second in their group and advance to the Round of 16.
‘Green light to advance to the round of 16’ South Korea will face Honduras in the second leg on Oct. 26 and Gambia in the final group game on Oct. 29.