By Lee Jihae

Just one match on June 16 in Poland stands between the national men's under-20 (U-20) soccer team and Korea's first title in a FIFA men's tournament.

For the first time, a Korean men's team has advanced to the final of a tournament hosted by soccer's world governing body FIFA, with Korea to take on Ukraine at Lodz Stadium.

Not since the 2002 FIFA World Cup has a men's game made all of Korea burst with excitement over potentially winning a world title. The only FIFA championship the country has under its belt is the 2010 U-17 Women's World Cup.

Korean media on June 13 reported that Seoul Metropolitan Government will organize public viewing and cheering of the U-20 final at Gwanghwamun Square and City Hall Plaza in the capital's downtown area. Other major cities such as Busan, Daegu and Gwangju will also run similar events.

On June 12, the Taeguk Warriors defeated Ecuador, 1-0, in the semifinal at Lublin Stadium, following their quarterfinal win on June 9 at Bielsko-Biala Stadium over Senegal in a penalty shootout, 3-2, after being tied 3-3 in regulation.

The keys to the team's success have been teen midfielder sensation Lee Kang-in, goalkeeper Lee Gwang-yeon and head coach Chung Jung-yong.

After the semifinal win, Chung said, "We'll do our best in the remaining match." 

jihlee08@korea.kr