Korea Republic men’s U-20 national team came within a whisker of reaching the final of the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, only to be denied by Uzbekistan in a tense penalty shootout.

Kim Eunjung’s side lost 3-1 in penalties following a goalless draw after extra time in the semi-final against the hosts at Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Wednesday.

Kim opted for his favourite 4-1-4-1 formation, deploying towering striker Lee Youngjun (Gimcheon Sangmu) up front; Bae Junho (Daejeon Hana Citizen), Kim Heeseung (Daegu FC), Park Hyunbin (Incheon United) and Kim Yonghak (Portimonense) in midfield; Kang Sangyoon as a defensive midfielder; Hwang Intaek (Seoul ELand), Kim Jisoo (Seongnam FC), Choi Seokhyun (Dankook University) and Cho Youngkwang (FC Seoul) at the back; and Kim Joonhong between the sticks. Meanwhile, Sung Jinyoung, Korea Republic’s most prolific forward with three goals in four matches in this tournament, was rested on the bench.

Having played in front of small crowd as many as some 400 in the buildup to the semi-finals, the men in red had to deal with an intimidating atmosphere created by a vociferous home crowd that had flocked to the stadium to support their side. With both sides making a cautious approach in the opening exchanges, Korea Republic and Uzbekistan sat back and waited for their chances patiently.

Uzbekistan were dealt an early blow after 20 minutes, when stalwart forward Polatkhoja Kholdorkhonov was stretchered off because of an injury, to be replaced by Asadbek Juraboyev. 

Korea Republic created space on the right flank with quick one-twos between Cho Youngkwang and Kim Yonghak. On 22 minutes, Kim sent a corner from the right into the goalmouth, only for Hwang Intaek to hit the side netting with a pointblank header.

At the opposite end, the Uzbeks kept breaking through the left channel with Fayzullaev marauding on the flank. Fayzullaev attempted a free-kick from the edge of the area just wide of the target on 28 minutes, before breaking into the left side of the area to curl a right-footed effort on 43 minutes.

Having struggled to breach into the Uzbek rearguard throughout the opening half, Korea Republic reinforced their attack after the break as right winger Kang Sungjin came off the bench to replace Kim Heeseung whilst Kim Yonghak moved into attacking midfield position. Coach Kim then went on to ring another attacking substitutions early in the second half, bringing Park Changwoo and Sung Jinyoung on as the hour mark approached. The hosts seemed to slow down as the half wore on.

Korea Republic began to take control of the game, with Kang Sungjin breaking into the right channel and Kim Yonghak cleverly orchestrating set-pieces. However, they still struggled to create scoring chances as the fatigue slowly kicked in.

Uzbekistan fought back against tired opponents in the closing stages. On 86 minutes, substitute Akramov set Jabborov through on the left side of the area, only for the latter to drag his shot against the side netting. Esanov then turned around from close range to shoot straight at Kim Joonhong deep into added time.

Extra time was required after goalless 90 minutes, as Lee Junjae and Moon Seungmin came off the bench to replace Cho Youngkwang and Park Hyunbin respectively for Korea Republic. After three minutes, Lee broke into the space in the middle of the park to lay the ball off to Sung, who could only drag his effort straight at Boymurodov.

Coach Kim brought Lee Junsang on for Kim Yonghak during the extra-time interval, hoping to score the winner in order to avoid penalties that would have followed otherwise. It was not to be, however, as the match ended in a stalemate and the shootout ensued.

Korea Republic could not convert their first two penalties with Kang Sungjin and Kang Sangyoon denied by the goalkeeper, whilst Uzbekistan converted their first three spot-kicks. Kim Jisoo then saw his effort blocked as the hosts clawed their way into the final.

2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup 
Semi-final

Uzbekistan 0-0 Korea Republic, a.e.t. PSO (3-1)

KOR: Kim Joonhong, Hwang Intaek, Kim Jisoo, Choi Seokhyun, Cho Youngkwang (Lee Junjae 90’), Kang Sangyoon, Bae Junho (Park Changwoo 53’), Kim Heeseung (Kang Sungjin 46’), Park Hyunbin (Moon Seungmin 90’), Kim Yonghak (Lee Junsang 105’), Lee Youngjun (Sung Jinyoung 60’)