Forward Lee Young-jun (third from left) on May 22 celebrates after scoring in his team's opening group game versus France at this year's FIFA U-20 World Cup at Mendoza Stadium in Mendoza, Argentina.
By Jung Joo-ri
Photos = Korea Football Association
The national men's soccer team has defeated France in their opener at this year's FIFA U-20 (Under-20) World Cup.
Led by head coach Kim Eun-jung, the Taegeuk Warriors on May 22 earned a 2-1 win in its first Group F game at Mendoza Stadium in Mendoza, Argentina.
France dominated the first 15 minutes with possession of 75% but Korea jumped on every counterattacking opportunity.
After clearing a French corner, Korea quickly shifted to attack. In the 22nd minute of the first half, striker Kim Yong-hak passed the ball to midfielder Lee Seung-won, who slotted it home with his right foot for the opening goal.
In the 19th minute of the second half, Lee made an assist to forward Lee Young-jun, whose header made it 2-0.
In the 24th minute of the second half, the referee granted a penalty kick to France after goalkeeper Kim Joon-hong collided with French striker Alan Virginius in front of the net. Virginius scored to cut the lead to one.
Korea's steadfast defense withstood a full-scale French attack and eight minutes of extra time to preserve the win.
In an interview at the mixed zone after the game, head coach Kim said, "France might've been better than us in physical condition and individual skills, but the driving force behind our win was how we played as an organized 11 instead of waging one-on-one battles."
With a victory in its first game against France, the top-ranked team in Group F, Korea seeks to advance to the tournament's round of 16 for the third straight time. The team made the knockout stage in 2017 when Korea hosted the event and was runner-up at the 2019 edition in Poland.
Next for the Taegeuk Warriors is Honduras on May 25 and Gambia three days later in their final group game.
The national men's under-20 team on May 22 poses for a photo after defeating France, 2-1, in their first group match at this year's FIFA U-20 World Cup at Mendoza Stadium in Mendoza, Argentina.
etoilejr@korea.kr
