The South Korea Under-20 (U20) national soccer team, led by head coach Kim Eun-joong, made a strong start to their ‘Again in 2019’ campaign by defeating favorites France.

The South Koreans defeated France 2-1 in their first match of Group F of the FIFA U20 World Cup 2023 at the Mendoza Stadium in Argentina on Wednesday (June 23), led by a goal and an assist from ‘Captain’ Lee Seung-won (Gangwon FC).

It was South Korea’s first win over France at the U20 World Cup in three tournaments, bringing their overall record against the French to 2 wins, 3 draws and 4 losses. They finished runners-up at the 2019 tournament, led by Lee Kang-in.

South Korea is tied for first place with Gambia, who beat Honduras 2-1 earlier in the day, with three points. They will play their second game against Honduras on June 26 at 6:00 am. In addition to the 12 first- and second-place teams from each of the six groups, the top four finishers from each group will advance to the round of 16.

The game was dominated by France. South Korea crouched and bared their claws. South Korea had 30% of the possession, while France had 57%. In terms of shots, South Korea was outshot 9 to 23. However, the number of shots on goal was even: 5 for Korea and 6 for France. South Korea played decisive and efficient soccer.

South Korea’s first goal came on a counterattack in the 22nd minute. A bouncing ball from an opponent’s corner kick was collected by Kang Sung-jin (FC Seoul) and played to Kim Yong-hak (Portimonense), who was sprinting forward. Kim won a contest near the halfway line and drove up the left flank before delivering the ball to Lee Seung-won, who rushed into the center. Entering the penalty area and facing the keeper one-on-one, Lee calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner of the net with a right-footed shot.

South Korea took the lead, but the danger was still there. France’s offense intensified in the second half. Five minutes into the second half, Korea almost scored an own goal. Park Hyun-bin (Incheon United) headed a cross from the left side of the field into the corner of the goal, where goalkeeper Kim Jun-hong (Gimcheon Commerce) made a narrow save.

Having survived the scare, Korea added a second goal in the 19th minute off a set piece. Lee Seung-won sent in a free kick from the left flank with his right foot, and Lee Young-joon (Gimcheon) only had to change direction to head the ball into the near post.

In the 25th minute of the second half, Korea lost a goal due to a questionable officiating decision. Kim Jun-hong was punching in an opponent’s cross and collided with Malamine Efekele, who was looking to head it in. The referee showed Kim a yellow card and awarded a penalty kick. Down a goal, South Korea managed to hold off the French onslaught to secure the win.

Lee Seung-won said after the game, “Yonghak was going up and there was no one on the other side. It was very difficult for me, but I pulled out all my strength and went up with him, and then luck came.” “The players followed our tactics of defending and then counterattacking well,” said Kim, adding, “Our matches against Honduras and Gambia will not be easy, but we will prepare well and play well 스포츠토토.”