U20 coach Kim Eun-joong reflects on the match against Honduras.
The South Korea Under-20 Football Team, led by head coach Kim Eun-joong, drew 2-2 with Honduras in their second Group F match of the FIFA U20 World Cup 2023 at the Mendoza Stadium in Argentina on 26 June at 06:00hrs.
South Korea conceded an early goal from the penalty spot, but things soon changed. David Luiz, who scored the opening goal, was sent off for a direct challenge on Bae Seo-Joon. Despite their numerical advantage, South Korea failed to take the lead. In fact, they conceded a further goal early in the second half.
Coach Kim Eun-joong made a change in attack with a substitution. Kim Yong-hak scored the consolation goal with a left-footed shot, and Park Seung-ho equalised with a header. South Korea, who beat France 2-1 in the first leg, are second in the group with one win and one draw.
“We had the numerical advantage, but it was difficult to score because all the Honduran players dropped back into defence, and we didn’t keep our composure on good chances, which is why we didn’t score more goals,” Kim reflected in an interview with the Korea Football Association (KFA).
Park Seung-ho, who came on as a second-half substitute메이저놀이터, was injured shortly after scoring the precious equaliser. He was forced off again. Coach Kim Eun-joong said, “Unexpectedly, Park Seung-ho got injured. We need to check his condition. We have other resources, so we will focus on preparing for the next three games.”
Their opponents for the third game are the Gambia, who topped Group F. Korea and the Gambia will face off on the 29th. Kim said, “We need to give more than 100 per cent against the Gambia. Recovery is the most important thing. We will recover well and then give it our all against the Gambia.”