The U20 soccer team has fought hard to reach the semifinals.

The Republic of Korea U-20 team, led by head coach Lee Chang-won, drew 3-3 after extra time against Uzbekistan's U-20 team in the quarterfinal of the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-20 Asian Cup held at the youth soccer training BASS venue in Shenzhen, China, on the 23rd (Korea time), and won 3-1 in the penalty shootout to advance to the semifinals.

With this victory, Korea has secured participation in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup to be held in Chile in September. Additionally, Korea will face Saudi Arabia in the semifinals on the 26th, aiming for a spot in the final.

It was a hard-fought victory. Korea fell behind in the 18th minute of the first half, conceding the opening goal to Jumayev. Shin Min-ha turned the game around by scoring two goals in the 26th minute of the first half and the 11th minute of the second half, making it 2-1.

In the 16th minute of the second half, an additional goal by Kim Tae-won gave Korea a 3-1 lead, solidifying their chances of victory. Korea scored three goals in a row.

But they popped the champagne too early. Korea conceded a goal to Orinboyev in the 45th minute of the second half. Uzbekistan was persistent. Four minutes of additional time were declared. In the 49th minute of the second half, just four seconds before the end of the match, Kaidarov scored the equalizer.

Korea, in despair, entered extra time. Both teams played an additional 30 minutes but could not determine a winner. Ultimately, the match went to a penalty shootout.

Uzbekistan missed twice during the shootout. Korea also missed two goals. Goalkeeper Hong Seong-min made incredible saves to stop two goals. With a finishing goal from Ha Jung-woo, Korea won the penalty shootout 3-1.

Ahead of the semifinal against Saudi Arabia, head coach Lee Chang-won noted, "Our players have overcome difficult challenges to get here. They have experience from tough moments, just like they have until now. I am confident. I believe they will do well."

Regarding the semifinals, he requested, "I ask fans for much encouragement and support. Please cheer for the young players so they can challenge for the final."

[OSEN = Reporter Seo Jung-hwan]