Kim Min-woo's Late Header Secures Win, Setting Stage for Quarterfinal Clash Against Indonesia

Courtesy of Korea Football Association

In their final Group B match at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar, Korea secured a 1-0 victory over Japan. Substitute Kim Min-woo scored the lone goal in the 75th minute, extending Korea's winning streak to three matches. With this win, Korea finishes as the top seed in their group and advances to the quarterfinals with an unblemished record.

Both Korea and Japan had already secured their spots in the quarterfinals before the match, having won their previous two matches. The victory over Japan means Korea will face Indonesia, the Group A runner-up, in the quarterfinals.
 

▲ Korean players and coaches / Courtesy of Korea Football Association

Coached by Hwang Sun-hong, Korea had previously defeated the United Arab Emirates 1-0 and China 2-0 in the tournament. This victory marks Korea's first must-win match as they aim to extend their Olympic appearance streak to 10. The AFC tournament serves as the qualifying event for the Paris Olympics, with the top three teams earning direct qualification.

Indonesia, led by former Korea boss Shin Tae-yong, lost to Qatar 2-0 but later secured victories against Australia and Jordan to advance to the quarterfinals.

In Monday's match, coach Hwang made significant changes to the starting lineup, resting key players and giving opportunities to newcomers. Forward Lee Young-jun, who had scored all three of Korea's previous goals, did not play against Japan. 

▲ Kim Min-woo of Korea / Courtesy of Korea Football AssociationThe match remained scoreless in the first half, with neither team registering a shot on target. However, the pace picked up in the second half, and Kim Min-woo's header from a corner kick secured the victory for Korea.

Japan increased their offensive pressure in search of an equalizer, but Korean defender Lee Jae-won made crucial blocks to preserve the lead. The victory sets up an intriguing quarterfinal clash between Korea and Indonesia.

Hwang and Shin, two of the greatest players in Korean football history, will face off in a coaching duel in the next match. Hwang, known for his goal-scoring prowess, ranks second on the all-time goal-scoring list for Korea. Shin, a successful midfielder in the domestic league, previously coached Korea at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Korea has participated in every Olympic men's football tournament since 1988, while Indonesia's only Olympic appearance came in 1956.

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Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com