Hong Seong-min (19, Pohang Steelers), the 'next generation goalkeeper' who saved South Korea from the brink of elimination, vowed to win.

The South Korean under-20 (U-20) national team, led by Coach Lee Chang-won, advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-20 Asian Cup after defeating Uzbekistan in a penalty shootout following a hard-fought quarterfinal match held at a youth football training BASS field in Shenzhen, China, on the 23rd (Korea time). South Korea finished the game tied 3-3 at the end of regulation time, but won the penalty shootout 3-1.

With this victory, South Korea secured its place in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be held in Chile in September. The team, which finished first in Group D with two wins and one draw, achieved its goal by taking down 'defending champion' Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals.

South Korea showed signs of instability from the start. Less than a minute after the opening whistle, they conceded a penalty kick (PK). Hong Seong-min was penalized after he collided with an opposing attacker while trying to catch a long pass. Fortunately, Hong Seong-min redeemed himself by accurately stopping a shot from kicker Muhammatdali Urinboev.

Nonetheless, the first goal belonged to Uzbekistan. In the 18th minute of the first half, a corner kick from Daler Tuksanov resulted in a header that hit Asilbek Jumayev's head right in front of the goal.

South Korea equalized with a corner kick. In the 26th minute of the first half, Yoon Do-young sent in a cross that Uzbekistan's defense failed to handle. In a chaotic situation, Shin Min-ha calmly pushed the ball into the net, making it 1-1.

South Korea scored consecutive goals. In the 10th minute of the second half, Shin Min-ha finished a free kick from Yoon Do-young with a header to take the lead. Then, in the 16th minute of the second half, captain Kim Tae-won scored with an exquisite chip shot over the goalkeeper, extending the lead to 3-1.

However, South Korea conceded goals in the 44th minute of the second half and in stoppage time, losing what seemed to be a secured victory. Their lack of focus at the end was disappointing. Both teams went into extra time tied 3-3 without resolving the match, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the semifinalist.

Hong Seong-min emerged as the hero. He became instrumental in the victory by saving consecutive shots from the opposing first and fourth kickers. South Korea faced a crisis when second kicker Lee Geon-hee and third kicker Shin Min-ha missed their penalty shots, but thanks to Hong Seong-min, they secured the win.

Hong Seong-min, through the Korea Football Association, noted, "It was a very important quarterfinal match. We had to win to secure a World Cup ticket, and fortunately, we did. I feel really good" and added, "I allowed the first PK due to my mistake. I thought we couldn't concede more goals after that. Fortunately, I was good during the penalty shootouts."

He also credited his teammates. When asked about the turning point of the match, Hong Seong-min said, "Min-ha hyung scored the equalizer and then scored again. Tae-won hyung also scored. They did well to hold on until extra time. It seems the older players did everything." Regarding the penalty shootout, he mentioned, "I didn’t expect the chance to come, but I was well-prepared. During penalty shootout training, I saved about 8 out of 10, so I was confident. I knew we would win without a doubt."

Finally, Hong Seong-min promised, "In the last tournament, we dropped out in the semifinals. We will aim to go further than the last national team. We will strive for the championship" and expressed gratitude by saying, "I think we were able to repay Uzbekistan for last year's loss thanks to the fans who stayed up late to support us. Thank you."

The South Korean team's semifinal opponent is Saudi Arabia, which defeated China. South Korea will face Saudi on the 26th for a chance to advance to the finals. On the opposite side of the bracket, Japan will clash with Australia.

/finekosh@osen.co.kr

[Photo] Provided by the Korea Football Association.

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