The second semi-final of the Asian U20 tournament between Uzbekistan and South Korea was tense as expected. The two top contenders for the league championship played closely and didn’t have too big a difference in qualifications.
South Korea U20 is slightly better in possession (51%) but the real dangerous opportunities belong to the home team. During 120 minutes of play, the home team launched 27 shots towards the Korean goal (9 on target). Meanwhile, the representative of kimchi only had 10 shots (2 on target).
Under the cheers of the home fans, Uzbekistan U20 played excitedly and at times overwhelmed Korea. Without the excellent reflexes of goalkeeper Kim Joon-hong, Korea U20 conceded a goal. Nearly 40,000 spectators created a lively atmosphere inside Bunyodkor Stadium.
The joy of Uzbekistan U20 players when having the second Asian final. Photo: AFC.
However, the result was 0-0 after more than 120 minutes, so the home team had to wait for the shine of the keeper Boymurodov in the penalty shootout to celebrate enthusiastically. Goalkeeper Pakhtakor Tashkent saved 3 penalty kicks from Kang Seong-jin, Kang Sang-yoon and Kim Ji-soo.
In the opposite direction, the U20 Uzbekistan players made no mistakes in their kicks to win the final 3-1. U20 Uzbekistan has the second time in history to reach the final of the Asian tournament. This is a great opportunity for the host country to quench its thirst for championships. In 2008, Uzbekistan U20 lost to UAE 1-2 in the final of the Asian Cup.
The home team will face Iraq U20, the team that eliminated Japan on penalties in the first semi-final. The final match between U20 Iraq and Uzbekistan will take place at 9pm on March 18.
Hong An | 05:22 03/16/2023
