Korea team celebrates after winning over Ecuador 1-0 in semi-final match at the U20 World Cup soccer in Lublin, Poland, June 11. (Image credit: AP-Yonhap via The Korea Times)

First time in history, South Korea go to final after defeating Ecuador in U20 World Cup

On Tuesday, South Korea U-20 team successfully beat Ecuador 1-0 in semi-final match at Lublim Stadium in Poland. It is thanks to Choi Jun's winning goal in the 39th minute, making South Korea first appearance in final match at a men's FIFA tournament.

South Korea managed to achieve five consecutive wins after Portugal defeated them 1-0 at group stage on May 25.

After the game running for 38 minutes without goal, South Korea finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Lee Kang-in successfully gave an assists through free kick to Choi Jun. Ecuador played hard for an equalizer causing South Korea had difficulties in the early minutes of the second half.  

Chung Jung-yong, South Korea coach, said he always believe with player’s ability to rise to the occasion. After the goal in the first half time, the team want to protect the lead and looked for opportunities in the second half, the Coach added.

This was the first time for young Taeguk Warriors going beyond the quarterfinals. Previously in 1983, they reached semi-finals at the biennial youth tournament in Mexico but they lost to Brazil. The Korean team then ended in fourth-place after losing to Poland.  

During FIFA tournaments, only South Korea women football team got a victory at the 2010 U-17 Women's World Cup.

South Korea men’s team will against Ukraine on Saturday at Lodz Stadium in Lodz. Saturday final match will be also the first time for Ukraine after winning over Italy 1-0. 

Source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/sports/2019/06/661_270477.html