AFC U20 Asian Cup: Korea Republic Advances to Knockout Stage After 4-1 Triumph Over Thailand
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Synopsis
Korea Republic triumphs over Thailand 4-1, ensuring their place in the knockout stage of the U-20 Asian Cup China 2025. This victory, achieved at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base, guarantees them a top-two finish in Group D, regardless of their final match outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Korea Republic secured knockout stage qualification.
- 4-1 victory over Thailand at Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base.
- Korea Republic guaranteed a top-two finish in Group D.
- Thailand eliminated after second consecutive loss.
- Key players included Yoon Do-yong and Kim Gyeol.
Shenzhen, Feb 17 (NationPress) Korea Republic achieved a decisive victory, defeating Thailand 4-1, thus securing their advancement to the knockout phase of the U-20 Asian Cup China 2025 at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Pitch 1 on Monday.
This victory confirmed Korea Republic’s qualification for the subsequent round, ensuring they will finish in the top two of Group D, irrespective of the result in their last match against Japan. Earlier in the day, Japan and Syria played to a 2-2 draw, while Thailand was officially eliminated following their second defeat after losing 3-0 to Japan in their first game.
The match kicked off with Korea Republic creating early opportunities. In the second minute, Yoon Do-yong struck the crossbar with a volley, and Thai goalkeeper Anut Samran had to stay sharp, narrowly avoiding an own goal in the sixth minute and then deflecting a header from Kim Gyeol over the bar in the ninth minute.
Despite the early dominance of Korea Republic, Thailand managed to take the lead in the 23rd minute. A clever through ball from Pongsakorn Sangkasopha set Yotsakon Burapha on a rapid attack, and his powerful shot from distance outmaneuvered goalkeeper Park Sang-young.
However, Korea Republic quickly equalized. In the 32nd minute, Yoon Do-yong took advantage of a goalmouth scramble after a corner to bring the scores level.
After the halftime break, Korea Republic continued to press forward, with Kim Gyeol heading home a precise cross from Park Seung-soo in the 59th minute to take the lead. Kim scored again in the 86th minute, finishing off a cross from Son Seung-min. Park Seung-soo capped off the victory with a goal in the 89th minute, sprinting down the left flank and curling a shot past Anut.
With this win, Korea Republic continued their impressive performance, ensuring their spot in the tournament's knockout stage.
