The U20 soccer team warms up for their final tournament match against Israel for third place.
Under the direction of head coach Kim Eun-joong, the team warms up with stretches and runs, exchanging light passes.
The players’ expressions are both serious and joyful as they prepare for their final match.
Their final opponent is Israel, the surprise team of the tournament.
It’s their first appearance at the U20 World Cup, but they’ve made it all the way to the quarterfinals, knocking out favorites Brazil in the quarterfinals.
They have a strong late-game mentality, with the likes of Dor Turgeman, who scored all eight of their goals in the tournament in second-half and extra-time, to watch out for.
They have also been strong against Asian teams, beating Japan in the group stage and Uzbekistan in the round of 16.
Kim was wary of Israel, noting that they were runners-up at the European Under-19 Championships and have European physicality.안전놀이터
The team is determined to win with full strength, no rotation, and make a statement of Asian pride.
Although their last meeting was a long time ago in the 1970s, South Korea had never beaten Israel in seven matches, losing three and drawing four.
But with set pieces as part of their scoring formula and an attack led by the in-form Bae Joon-ho, they are certainly up to the task.
I’m Baek Gil-hyun for Yonhap TV.