The South Korea U-20 team, looking to reach the round of 16 or better for the third consecutive tournament, heads into their final group game against the Gambia.
Head coach Kim Eun-joong’s side will face the Gambia on June 29 at 6 a.m. KST in their third match of Group F at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023. South Korea is second in the group with one win, one draw, and four points, while the Gambia is first with two wins and six points.
South Korea won its first match against France 2-1, but played to a 2-2 draw against Honduras. The tournament is a round of 16 with the second-place finisher advancing to the round of 16 and the top four of the six third-place finishers joining as wildcards.
In Group F, France has lost both of its matches and cannot finish higher than South Korea even if it wins its remaining matches. Therefore, South Korea has secured at least third place in the group and a very good chance of advancing to the round of 16. However, this is the best-case scenario, as a win over The Gambia would guarantee them a spot in the round of 16.
Of course, South Korea could still finish second if they lose to the Gambia. If France defeats Honduras, South Korea will clinch second place even if the Gambia loses. If France and Honduras tie, South Korea can still secure second place in the group as long as they don’t lose to the Gambia by more than two goals.
Given the number of contingencies, South Korea is not in a bad position, as they can still reach the round of 16 even if they lose to the Gambia. However, depending on where they finish in the round of 16, their future course of action could be very different, so it would be beneficial for them to secure first place in their group.
The first-place team in Group F, which South Korea is in, will meet the second-place team in Group E in the round of 16. The second-place finisher in Group F will meet the second-place finisher in Group B in the Round of 16. Finishing first or second in your group is more favorable as you can avoid the other group leader.
However, it’s a little tougher if you finish third in your group. You’ll face the winner of Group C or D in the Round of 16. Group C is currently led by Colombia with two wins and Japan with one win and one loss. In Group D, Nigeria is first with two wins and Brazil is second with three points. That means they’re likely to face some tough opponents.토토사이트
South Korea’s opponent, the Gambia, has already qualified for the round of 16. It’s just a matter of finishing first or second. They are less motivated than South Korea. They have the potential to utilize rotation. However, South Korea will not be able to play against the Gambia after Choi Seok-hyun was sent off against Honduras for two cautions and goalkeeper Kim Jun-hong accumulated his second caution of the tournament. It’s unfortunate that the team will be without a goalkeeper for such an important game with a spot in the round of 16 on the line.