Choi Jun powers Korea Republic into final

Published on: 12 June 2019

Lublin: Choi Jun's 39th minute strike secured Korea Republic a 1-0 win over Ecuador and a place in the final of the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland on Tuesday.

Korea Republic will meet Ukraine in Saturday's final, with the Europeans having edged Italy 1-0 in their semi-final.

It will be Korea Republic's first appearance in the final, having lost in the semi-finals of the 1983 edition and comes after the East Asians opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Portugal in the group stage.


The eastern Polish city of Lublin will forever hold a special place for the Koreans, as it's the same venue in which they defeated continental rivals Japan in the Round of 16.

Choi Jun scored the winning goal late in the first half, finishing off a well-worked free-kick. Taegeuk Warriors star Lee Kang-in split Ecuador's defence with a perfectly-weighted through-ball, and Choi Jun curled in a shot with his right foot past the outstretched arms of Ecuador goalkeeper Moises Ramirez.

Korea Republic's goal came just a minute after Ecuador's best chance of the semi-final. Striker Leonardo Campana struck the crossbar after some brilliant footwork in the build-up.

Ecuador were unable to find their way through their opponents' turgid defence, and the result means that Saturday's final will be a first for both Korea Republic and Ukraine.

Next up


Third place play-off, Friday


Italy v Ecuador (Gdynia, 20:30 local time)

Final, Saturday


Ukraine v Korea Republic (Lodz, 18:00 local time)

Sources: FIFA.com, FIFA via Getty Images


Source: the-afc.com

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more