The South Korea U20 National Team, led by head coach Kim Eun-joong, played a goalless 0-0 draw against the Gambia in their final Group F match of the U20 World Cup on Monday (Sept. 29) at the Mendoza Stadium in Mendoza, Argentina.
With the result, South Korea improves to 1-2-2 (5 points) and sits in second place in the group behind the Gambia (2-1-1, 7 points). South Korea will play the round of 16 on June 2 at 6 a.m. against Group B runner-up Ecuador.
“We’re cautious because it’s a one-game match, but we’ll prepare well to get a result,” Kim said in a post-match interview on local television.
South Korea, who had already qualified for the round of 16 in three consecutive tournaments with results through the second round, played to a goalless draw in their final group game against Gambia earlier in the day.
South Korea finished second in Group F (2 wins, 1 draw, 7 points) behind the Gambia (1 win, 2 draws, 5 points) and 안전놀이터 will face the second-place team from Group B, Ecuador, in the Round of 16 on March 2.
Kim, who used a rotation against the Gambia in preparation for the round of 16, said, “I sent out players who hadn’t played much. I made the starting lineup to make sure we were physically fit,” Kim said.
“For the players who came on as substitutes in the second half, I wanted them to maintain their game sense for the next match. We substituted them sequentially according to the plan.”
“The teams in the tournament are strong teams with their own colors. We need to prepare thoroughly,” Kim said, adding that they are ready for the round of 16.