S. Korea into quarters in U-19 AFC football

By Yoon Chul

South Korea’s young guns beat Yemen 1-0, Thursday, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the U-19 AFC Championship.

In the match at Linzi Stadium in Zibo, China, Ji Dong-won’s early header lifted the Korean squad to the next round from Group D with a 2-0-0 record regardless of the final preliminary match against Australia.

Korea and Australia have the same record but Australia leads the group on goal difference. Neither Yemen nor Iran has any chance to advance to next round having both lost their first two games.

Korea had a great chance to go ahead in the eighth minute.

Yemen defender Ahmed Al Khamri chopped Ji down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Chunnam Dragons striker stepped up calmly, but hit the post.

Korean midfielder Kim Kyung-jung got to the rebound but shot into the side netting.

In the 15th minute Ji’s header finally punished Yemen.

Baek Sung-dong’s cross from the right flank found Ji’s head for a 1-0 lead.

In the 27th minute, Korea were lucky not to concede.

Aiman Al Hagri cut out a pass in Korean territory and his chip shot beat Korean goalie No Dong-geon but was just over the crossbar.

With the lead Korea dominated the game, but their final touch was not enough to extend the margin.

Looking to add goals Korean manager Lee Kwang-jong put in Lee Jong-ho and Yoon Il-lok instead of Kim and Baek in the 75th.

The Korean boss looked to have made the right decision with his team finding more penetration.

Five minutes later, Ji had a one-on-one chance but his left-footed blast was denied by Yemen goalkeeper Abdo Essam.

Substitute Lee also rifled in a shot from the middle of a packed penalty area, only to find the woodwork in the 80th.

On Friday Korea will clash against Australia to decide the top spot in Group D at Zibo Sports Center. If Korea lose they will almost certainly meet Japan, which currently occupies top spot in Group C, with a better record and vastly superior goal difference to second placed Vietnam.