Men’s U-20 national team have come a step closer to repeat the feat of Poland 2019, by beating Nigeria to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Choi Seokhyun’s header five minutes into extra time was enough for Kim Eunjung’s charges to defeat Nigeria 1-0 in a tense quarter-final match staged in Santiago del Estero on Sunday. The Taegeuk Warriors will take on Italy in the semi-finals in La Plata on Thursday.

Korea Republic have reached the last four of the U-20 World Cup for the third time – second time in succession following the runners-up finish four years ago – following their fairy-tale runs at Mexico 1983 and Poland 2019. It is the fifth time for Korea Republic to advance to the last four of any FIFA competition, including the semi-finals at the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002 and winning bronze at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament London 2012.

Coach Kim made three changes to the side that beat Ecuador in the round of 16, with Kang Seongjin replacing Bae Junho who had featured prominently against the South Americans. Bae Seojoon got the nod over Choi Yehoon on the left flank, whilst Lee Chanouk started in place of Park Hyunbin in defensive midfield.

Korea Republic struggled against the waves of attack from Nigeria in the first half, registering their first attempt in the first half added time. Victor Ehuwa Eletu twice came close to opening the deadlock, only to be denied by in-form goalkeeper Kim Joonhong midway through the first half.

After smothering the waves with solid defending, the Taegeuk Warriors began to fight back on the stroke of half time. Captain Lee Seungwon latched on to a pass from Kang Seongjin, only to fire over the crossbar from the edge of the area.

Kim reshuffled his side after the goalless first half, bringing Bae Junho on for Kang Seongjin. Korea Republic seemed to have found their rhythm as the second half wore on, with Lee Youngjun trying his luck from distance shortly before the hour mark. Kim made a series of double substitutions as Park Hyunbin and Lee Jihan came off the bench before Choi Yehoon and Hwang Intaek came on to the pitch.

Korea Republic finally took the lead five minutes into extra time, capitalising on their set-piece prowess that made the difference quite a few times in these finals. Lee Seungwon’s corner from the left was met with a glancing header by an onrushing Choi Seokhyun at the near post. It was the centre-back’s second goal of the competition, following the fourth assist from set-pieces by the Korea Republic captain.

Nigeria were desperate to claw their way back into it: Umeh Emmanuel’s effort from the edge of the area skimmed the upper side of the crossbar, before he hit the side netting deep into added time. And it was the men in red that held firm to secure passage to the last four.

2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup

Quarter-finals

Goal: Choi Seokhyun 95’

KOR: Kim Joonhong, Bae Seojoon (Choi Yehoon 74’), Kim Jisoo (Hwang Intaek 74’), Choi Seokhyun, Park Changwoo, Kang Sangyoon, Lee Chanouk (Park Hyunbin 61’), Kang Seongjin (Bae Junho 46’), Lee Seungwon, Kim Yonghak (Lee Jihan 67’, Cho Youngkwang 118’), Lee Youngjun