Korea Loses to Brazil at U-20 World Cup

In the second Group D match of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup held at Montreal Olympic Stadium, Canada, on July 4, Korea’s national youth soccer team lost to Brazil, 2-3. It was a simultaneous display of the Korean youth soccer team’s “possibilities and limits”.

With a record thus far of 1-1, Korea must win the match with Poland to be held at 8:45 a.m. on July 7(Korean time) to advance to the round of 16.

After their impressive play at the opening match with the U.S., Korea was not intimidated by Brazil. Head Coach Cho said on the previous day, “We will attempt a counter-attack based on stable play with strengthened defense.” However, Korea was on the offensive from the beginning.

In the 5th minute, Lee Sang-ho (Ulsan Hyundai) made a cross-shot from the goal line, and Song Jin-hyeong (Seoul) came close when he struck a cross from Lee Cheong-yong (FC Seoul). When Amaral scored the first goal in the 35th minute, however, Brazil took the lead.

Brazil showed exactly how they have gained their reputation as world’s number one, as Korea’s defense collapsed at the hands of the Brazilian players’ splendid ball-skills. Brazil extended their lead to 3-0 as Alexandre Pato scored goals in the 48th and 59th minutes.

Down but certainly not out, Korea managed to claw back two goals with Shim Yeong-seong’s (Jeju United) header in the 82nd minute and Shin Yeong-rok’s (Suwon Samsung) strike in the 99th minute.

The U.S. topped Group D by winning over Poland, 6-1, with Freddy Adu’s hat trick.

In the Group E matches held at Ottawa, North Korea tied with the Czech side, 2-2, while Argentine crushed Panama, 6-0.

kimsk@donga.com