Bielsko Biala: A resurgent Korea Republic prevailed 3-2 on penalties in an engrossing encounter with Senegal at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019 that finished 3-3 at the end of extra time at the Bielsko-Biala Stadium on Saturday.
Korea Republic will face Ecuador, who beat the USA 2-1, in the semi-finals on Tuesday. It will be their first appearance in the last four stage since 1983.
Senegal were the more active attackers in the first half and broke through in the 37th minute. Ibrahima Niane's cushioned header from the goal line set up captain Cavin Diagne for an uncontested finish from eight yards.
The Young Lions of Teranga held their lead until the 62nd minute. Korea Republic earned a penalty after Lee Ji-sol was pushed in the back inside the 18-yard box, and up stepped Lee Kang-in to equalise coolly from the spot.
Seven minutes later Senegal returned the favour after Lee Jae-ik was ruled to have handled the ball in the box by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Lee Gwang-yeon saved Niane's initial spot-kick attempt but was shown a yellow card for coming off his line too soon, and Niane made no mistake with his second try.
Korea Republic desperately searched for the equaliser and found it at the last moment through Ji-sol's glancing header at the near post eight minutes into stoppage time.
Bursting with confidence heading into extra time, the Taeguk Warriors seized control when Kang-in played Cho Young-wook through with an expertly-weighted pass in the 96th minute. Young-wook slotted the ball into the net to give Korea Republic their first lead of the match.
Senegal refused to let up on offense and were rewarded in the waning seconds of extra time. Amadou Ciss picked out the bottom corner of the goal from the top of the box to send the game to penalties.
Emblematic of the day's performance, Korea Republic fell behind by missing their first two spot-kicks but battled back to advance to the semi-finals, with Oh Se-hun converting his side's final attempt while Diagne's attempt for Senegal went over the crossbar.
Next up
Semi-final, Tuesday June 11
Ecuador-Korea Republic (Lublin, 20:30 local time)
Sources: FIFA.com, FIFA via Getty Images
Source: the-afc.com