- South Korea overcame a deficit to defeat China.
- South Korea won a semifinal and earned a spot.
- Sung Jin-young gave his team the lead.
On Sunday, South Korea overcame a deficit to defeat China 3-1 in the extra period of the AFC U20 Asian Cup.
South Korea won a semifinal and earned a spot in the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2023. China last participated in the U20 World Cup in 2005.
China took the lead in the 47th minute when Mutalifu Yimingkari drove into the box and scored from a tight angle.
After 15 minutes, Kim Yong-hak equalised for South Korea with a penalty that was given after it was determined that China defender Yang Minjie handled the ball within the penalty area.
Both teams were tied at the end of regulation, but the Chinese players’ energy waned in overtime, with several of them experiencing cramps and weariness.
Sung Jin-young gave his team the lead in the 99th minute after connecting with a long pass, and Choi Seok-hyun made it 3-1 with a header in the 104th.
For the first time since 2014, China has advanced to the tournament’s knockout round.
China finished last in its group after losing to Japan 2-1, defeating Saudi Arabia 2-0, and drawing 1-1 with Kyrgyzstan.
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