S. Korea beat Nigeria to advance to semifinals at FIFA U-20 World Cup
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea have advanced to the semifinals at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, moving within a win of reaching the championship match for the second consecutive tournament.
Choi Seok-hyun headed in the match's only goal early in extra time, as South Korea knocked off Nigeria 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the tournament at Santiago del Estero Stadium in Santiago del Estero, northern Argentina, on Sunday (local time).
Choi Seok-hyun of South Korea celebrates his goal against Nigeria during the teams' quarterfinal match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup at Santiago del Estero Stadium in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on June 4, 2023. (Yonhap)
Coached by Kim Eun-jung, South Korea will take on Italy in the semifinals at La Plata Stadium in La Plata, eastern Argentina. The kickoff is 6 p.m. Thursday local time, or 6 a.m. Friday in South Korea.
South Korea finished as the runners-up to Ukraine at the previous U-20 World Cup in 2019. The 2021 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Korea have not won a FIFA title at a men's tournament. In 2010, South Korea won the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title.
South Korea did not register a shot attempt until stoppage time in the first half. Nigeria attempted seven shots and handily won the possession battle, with Victor Eletu and Salim Lawal knocking on the South Korean door in the opening 45 minutes.
South Korean players and coaches celebrate a goal by Choi Seok-hyun against Nigeria during the teams' quarterfinal match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup at Santiago del Estero Stadium in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on June 4, 2023. (Yonhap)
Nigeria continued to dominate the run of play in the second half and they had answers to South Korea's counterattack attempts.
The teams remained scoreless after 90 minutes, with South Korea unable to put any shot on target.
South Korea finally solved Nigeria about five minutes into the extra period. Captain Lee Seung-won took a corner, and Choi soared to meet it with his head and redirect the ball into the far corner, past the helpless goalkeeper Kingsley Aniagboso.
Lee Young-jun of South Korea (C) battles Benjamin Fredrick of Nigeria for the ball during the teams' quarterfinal match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup at Santiago del Estero Stadium in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on June 4, 2023. (Yonhap)
It was South Korea's first shot on target in the match.
Nigeria failed to respond, though Umeh Emmanuel had a couple of dangerous looks from close range.
Park Chang-woo of South Korea (L) heads the ball ahead of Ibrahim Muhammad of Nigeria during the teams' quarterfinal match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup at Santiago del Estero Stadium in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on June 4, 2023. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
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