“Wang Yudong gives China an unexpected lead, finishing off a spell of pressure that included two earlier corners.”
Pivotal
Korea Republic U23
China U23
Korea Republic looked the sharper side for most of the night, racking up 54 dangerous attacks to China's 40 and doubling their opponents' shot count on target, yet they had to come from behind after Wang Yudong opened the scoring against the run of general territorial balance. Young-jun Lee levelled almost immediately with an assist from Eom Ji-Sung, and the game settled into an even second-half rhythm until Korea's bench impact told - Bae Jun-Ho, set up again by the influential Eom Ji-Sung, struck in the 83rd minute to complete the turnaround. China will be frustrated they couldn't hold their early lead despite matching Korea for corners and possession, while Korea's ability to create the better chances throughout ultimately proved decisive. The win keeps Korea's Asian Games campaign firmly on track, while China now face an uphill battle in the competition.
How entertaining was this match?
On Myung-jun Kim comes on for Bae Jun-Ho.
On Park Kyung Sub comes on, Young-Jun Lee goes off.
Corner awarded.
Behram Abduweli is substituted for Hu Hetao.
On Yimulan Maimaiti comes on, and Xu Bin goes off.
Goal! Bae Jun-Ho scores to make it 2-1, assisted by Eom Ji-Sung.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Mutallep Iminqari is on, and Weijie Mao is off.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
First half ends with the score tied at 1-1.
Yellow card for Bae Jun-Ho.
Goal! Young-Jun Lee scores to make it 1-1, assisted by Eom Ji-Sung.
Corner awarded.
assist: Weijie Mao
Goal! Wang Yudong scores, making it 0-1.
Yellow card issued to Xu Bin.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Kick-off has started!
South Korea's relentless U23 side, chasing a fourth consecutive Asian Games gold, collide with a resurgent China team enjoying their first semi-final appearance in 28 years. With a final spot on the line, this knockout clash promises intensity, history, and a nation's pride at stake.
