"Avoiding tricky Uzbekistan," Lee Min-sung's side crushes Saudi Arabia 2-0; Vietnam awaits in the quarterfinals [Nagoya Asian Games]

[Financial News] South Korea's national under-23 football team, seeking a fourth consecutive Asian Games title, crushed Saudi Arabia and advanced to the quarterfinals as Group D winners. By avoiding strong title contenders Uzbekistan and facing Vietnam instead, South Korea gained a favorable position in the knockout draw.
South Korea, led by coach Lee Min-sung, defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the second Group D match of the men's football group stage at the Asian Games, held on the 22nd at Mizuho Park Rugby Field in Nagoya, Japan.
After a 4-1 rout of Qatar in the opening match, South Korea improved to two wins and six points, securing first place in Group D regardless of the remaining result. Advancing as group winners means South Korea will avoid Uzbekistan, the strong title favorite and winner of Group C, in the quarterfinals. Instead, it will face Vietnam, the Group C runner-up, for a place in the semifinals.


South Korea started Eom Ji-sung, the hat-trick hero from the opening match, alongside Lee Hyun-ju of FC Arouca and Yang Min-hyeok of KVC Westerlo in the attacking midfield line. Lee Gi-hyuk and Lee Seung-won, both of Gangwon FC, formed the midfield, while Kim Ji-soo of Brentford, Shin Min-ha of Gangwon FC, Choi Seok-hyun of Ulsan HD FC and Bae Hyun-seo of Gyeongnam FC made up the defense. Kim Jun-hong of Suwon started in goal.
The first half unfolded at a sluggish pace. Pressed by Saudi Arabia's fierce early pressure, the team composed of players born in 2005 or later in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics did not record its first shot until the 22nd minute. In the 44th minute, Bae Hyun-seo's shot after a run down the flank hit the side netting, and Shin Min-ha's ensuing header also missed the target. South Korea led 7-4 in shots but lacked finishing quality.
Coach Lee Min-sung made a tactical move 10 minutes into the second half, replacing Yang Min-hyeok with Bae Jun-ho of Stoke City. The substitution immediately changed the flow of the match.


The long-awaited opening goal came from a set piece in the 22nd minute of the second half. Shin Min-ha met Eom Ji-sung's free kick with a powerful header, finally breaking through Saudi Arabia's stubborn defense. South Korea doubled its lead just two minutes later, in the 24th minute, when Kim Myung-jun headed in Bae Hyun-seo's cross. Kim Myung-jun scored in consecutive matches after also finding the net against Qatar, showcasing his excellent scoring form.
With the win in hand, South Korea brought on Park Seung-soo of Newcastle United, Lee Young-jun of Grasshopper Club Zurich, who had joined the team the previous day, and Hwang Do-yun of FC Seoul in the 31st minute of the second half to manage fitness and assess their match readiness.


Late in the match, South Korea allowed Saudi Arabia's Tamer Al-Khaibari to make a dangerous run, but his shot went wide and South Korea escaped the threat. The match ended with a 2-0 clean-sheet victory for South Korea.
The schedule for the quarterfinal between South Korea and Vietnam will be decided later.


[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter