At the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Pitch 1 on Monday, Korea Republic defeated Thailand 4-1, securing their spot in the U-20 Asian Cup China 2025 knockout stage.
Regardless of the results of their final match against Japan, Korea Republic is certain of finishing in the top two of Group D, which solidified their qualification for the next round. Japan and Syria drew 2-2 earlier on Monday, while Thailand’s relegation was sealed following their second loss, a 3-0 setback to Japan in their opening match.
Korea Republic had early chances in the encounter. Thai keeper Anut Samran had to be on guard after nearly scoring an own goal in the sixth minute and tipping a header from Kim Gyeol over the bar in the ninth after Yoon Do-yong’s volley rocked the crossbar in the second minute.
In the 23rd minute, Thailand surprised them despite Korea Republic’s superiority. Yotsakon Burapha was sent on a fast break by a through pass from Pongsakorn Sangkasopha, and his strong shot from outside the box beat custodian Park Sang-young to give Thailand the lead.
The Korea Republic, however, reacted quickly. After a corner, Yoon Do-yong took advantage of a congested goalmouth scramble in the 32nd minute to tie the score.
After halftime, Korea Republic surged forward, taking the lead in the 59th minute thanks to a precise cross from Park Seung-soo headed in by Kim Gyeol. In the 86th minute, Kim converted Son Seung-min’s cross to add another goal. In the 89th minute, Park Seung-soo ran down the left and curled a shot past Anut to seal the win.
With the victory, Korea Republic secured a spot in the tournament’s knockout stage and continued their impressive campaign.
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