Korea beats Uzbek 2-1, cruises to Tokyo

Oh Se-hun of South Korea fires a shot against Uzbekistan during the team's Group C match at the Asian Football Confederation U-23 Championship at Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit, Thailand. / Yonhap

By John Duerden

As far as group stages go, it was perfect. South Korea topped Group C of the 2020 Asian U-23 Championships with three wins out of three and can look forward to Sunday's quarterfinal against Jordan, United Arab Emirates or Vietnam with confidence.

The group was, on paper, perhaps the toughest of all four at the tournament. It started with a 1-0 win over China. That was an unimpressive and sluggish performance rescued by a well-taken goal from Lee Dong-jun in the final seconds. Then came an improved performance against Iran with two more fine goals, one from Lee again as well as Cho Gyu-seong.

That victory guaranteed a place in the last eight regardless of the result against defending champion Uzbekistan on Wednesday. The Central Asian team is perhaps not quite as strong as its 2018 title-winning predecessor but is still a dangerous opponent. It ended with a third consecutive win for the men in red. This time, striker Oh Se-hun joined the party on his 21st birthday with a goal in each half.

There is much for coach Kim Hak-bum to be happy about as he aims to, at the very least, finish in the top three and earn a place in the 2020 Olympics to be held in Tokyo later this year.

Firstly, the team is full of confidence. Korea has shown that it can beat anyone at the tournament and while respect should be given, there is no need for fear. Oh Se-hun was regarded as the main goalscoring hope ahead of the tournament but had been quiet in the opening two games. His two strikers against Uzbekistan could be the kick start he needs.

"Oh Se-hun has to be playing at a high level in order for us to get better as a team," Kim said after the final group game. "I think this match has given him a boost of confidence."

Even without Oh firing on all cylinders, Korea has looked increasingly clinical and fluid in attack.

And the defense has improved. In the first game, China caused some problems in the opening game and the backline seemed to have some concentration and organization issues but tightened up as the group progressed. Overall, Korea looks to be improving with every game and that is an encouraging sign.

Coach Kim has also taken the opportunity to rotate his roster, making numerous changes for the Iran and Uzbekistan games. It means that a number of the players will be relatively fresh and the fact that the young Taeguk Warriors have an extra day's rest than their opponent could make a difference especially in the hot and humid conditions in Thailand.

"We've been preparing for every match like it's our last, and that mindset will not change," Kim said. "Our players executed the game plan really well."

The pressure is on now however. In the knockout stage, one mistake or one refereeing decision can change the game and result in elimination. Korea is just two wins away from a place in the Olympics. It would be an impressive ninth successive appearance at the tournament for the men. It's close but still there is still work to do but at the moment, Korea is looking strong.

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