'Kim Jeong-soo' U19 Soccer, Hard-fought 3-2 Victory Over Lebanon... First Win in U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

*This content was translated by AI.

The Republic of Korea's under-19 (U19) men's national soccer team has secured a favorable position toward qualifying for the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup finals next year in China.

Led by head coach Kim Jeong-soo, South Korea defeated Lebanon 3-2 in a comeback victory during the first match of Group A in the tournament qualifiers held on the 31st (Korea time) at Dolon Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

In this qualifying round, a total of 30 teams are divided into eight groups for group-stage matches. The top team from each of the eight groups and the seven best second-place teams among all groups will advance to the finals.

Group A consists only of South Korea, Lebanon, and Kyrgyzstan. Although the Philippines was originally included, they withdrew, leaving only two matches to be played. With the win over Lebanon, South Korea has secured a favorable position in the race for at least second place in the group. The final qualifier match against Kyrgyzstan will take place on the 6th of next month at 11 p.m.

The start was not promising. In the 36th minute of the first half, South Korea conceded a goal during a counterattack. A single long pass from the opponent collapsed the defensive space behind, and the team failed to overcome a one-on-one crisis with the goalkeeper. Despite creating chances early on, the inability to break the balance initially led to a painful opening goal.

South Korea immediately earned a penalty kick to equalize, but Park Seo-bin (Honnam University) had his shot saved by the goalkeeper, leaving them disappointed. Fortunately, in the subsequent long ball situation, Kwon Jun-seong (Busan IPark) scored an equalizer. In stoppage time of the first half, Kim Min-woo (Korea University) received a cross from the right flank with a chest trap and finished with his right foot to turn the match around.

With momentum on their side, South Korea extended their lead in the 14th minute of the second half when Lee Ho-jin (Busan) converted a cross from the wing with a left-footed turning shot. After that, they maintained control and continued to look for additional goals, though they were unable to score again. Instead, they conceded a consolation goal late in the second half via a header following a cross from the wing, but held on to their lead for the remainder of the match to secure three points.

- Goalkeepers: Park Do-hoon (Daegu FC), Song Anton (Busan IPark), Choi Ju-ho (Ulsan HD)

- Defenders: Ko Jung-min (Incheon United), Kwon Jun-seong (Busan IPark), Kim Gyu-min (Gyeongnam FC), Lee Jun-woo, Hong Sang-won (both Suwon Samsung), Lee Jun-seop (Incheon United), Lee Hyo-bin (Gangwon FC), Jo Young-jun (Pohang Steelers)

- Midfielders: Kang Dong-hwi (Jeju SK), Go Pil-gwan, Jung Hyun-woong (both FC Seoul), Kim Min-woo (Korea University), Kim Beom-jun (Pohang Steelers), Park Seo-bin (Honnam University), Ahn Tae-hoon (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Lee Yong-jae (Gangwon FC), Lee Ji-woo (Ulsan University), Lee Ho-jin (Busan IPark)

- Forwards: Kim Tae-hyung (Korea University), Kim Yun-ho (Gwangju FC)

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*This content was translated by AI.