Korea beats Brazil at U-17 World Cup

South Korea’s Jang Jae-won, center, and Brazil’s Leandro Do Nascimiento vie for the ball during the Under 17 Chile World Cup at Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso Stadium in Coquimbo, Sunday (KST). / AFP-Yonhap

By Baek Byung-yeul

South Korea got off to a great start at FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, beating tournament favorite Brazil 1-0, Sunday (KST).

With midfielder Jang Jae-won’s last minute goal, the young Korean footballers made a dramatic victory at Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso Stadium in the Chilean city of Coquimbo.

This is the first time for the South Korean Under-17 team to beat Brazil in official FIFA matches. In the previous six matches, Korea recorded one draw and five losses.

With FC Barcelona’s youth player Lee Seung-woo and You Ju-an from Korea’s Metan High School football team positioned as center forwards, the South Korean team used a 4-4-2 formation.

Though the Brazilians dominated ball possession, 63 percent to 37 percent, South Korea’s high-pressing game limited them to make only one attempt for a goal throughout the match.

While Lee played a major role in attacking, the South Korean team tried to hit Brazil on the counter attack and finished the first half goalless.

It was Jang who had his name on the score sheet in the 79th minute, as he shot the ball with his left foot when his teammate Lee Sang-heon turned the ball into the middle of the penalty area.

With the win, South Korea tops Group B. England and Guinea, who ended their game in a 1-1 draw earlier in Coquimbo, are tied for second, while Brazil sits at the bottom.

The South Korea team’s head coach Choi Jin-cheul praised his players who beat Brazil.

“We managed to set our game tactically. Players did their best for the team and their partners. We have worked hard to be ready physically and it paid off against Brazil,” Choi was quoted on FIFA’s official webpage after the match.

“I would like to thank all the fans who made the trip to Chile and those who have supported us from Korea,” he added.

Brazil coach Carlos Amadeu, who suffered an unexpected defeat, said his team had “a difficult match” against the well-prepared opponent.

“It was a difficult match against the Korean team that has done very well against us. They defended strongly and prevented us from approaching their goals. We will now prepare for the match against England and work to win that one,” the head coach said.

The South Koreans will have another Group B match against Guinea in La Serena, on Wednesday (KST).