In a semifinal match at the U-23 AFC championships on Jan. 27, the Korean men's national soccer team secures a dramatic 3-1 win over host Qatar. The players join each other on the pitch to celebrate their victory, sealing the country's qualification for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
With a dramatic victory, the Korean men's national soccer team has sealed the country's passage to Rio de Janeiro for a record eighth consecutive Olympic tournament.
On Jan. 27, at the 2016 U-23 AFC championships being held in Doha, the Korean men's national soccer team beat Qatar 3-1 in the semifinal match. The victory won Korea a ticket to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The score was 0-0 through the first half, but three minutes into the second half Korea scored a goal. Korea made several attempts to score again, but Qatar scored at 34 minutes. At 44 minutes, Korea scored again. During the extra-time Korea was able to score the winning goal, securing a 3-1 victory that qualifies the country for this year's Rio Olympics.
Starting in 1988 with the Seoul Olympics, the Korean men's national soccer team has been to eight consecutive Olympics.
The Korean men's team will play Japan in the final match on Jan. 30 for the AFC U-23 Championship.
In an AFC U-23 championship semifinal on Jan. 27, Korean midfielder Ryu Seung-woo scores the first goal against Qatar three minutes into the second half.
By Wi Tack-whan, Lee Hana
Korea.net Staff Writers
Photos: Yonhap News
whan23@korea.kr