South Korea's U-20 women's team, led by head coach Park Yoon-jung, won 1-0 in the second Group D match of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup against the German U-20 Women's Team at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota, Colombia on the 8th (Korea time). With a miraculous victory over Germany, Park Yoon-ho reached the round of 16 at the U-20 Women's World Cup for the first time in 10 years.
Ahead of the match against Germany, Park had little chance to advance to the round of 16. In the first match, the team lost to African powerhouse Nigeria in the 41st minute of the second half, and unfortunately collapsed to 0-1. The team had to win in the second match against Venezuela, which was considered the weakest team, to increase its chances of advancing to the round of 16. As it had a draw with Venezuela, however, it had to win against Germany, the favorite to advance to the round of 16.
Park Yoon-jung created a miracle. The 22nd minute of the first half became an inflection point for the game. Goalkeeper Woo Seo-bin delivered an accurate goal kick to striker Jeon Yu-kyung with a long-distance kick. Jeon jumped high and overcame the competition, and sent a pass through the defense line to Park Soo-jung, who was penetrating through the defense line. The ball was precisely connected to Park who penetrated the defense line. Park finished the first goal calmly after seeing the goalkeeper come out.
It was Korea's first goal of the tournament. Frustrated by Korea's surprise opening goal, Germany did not escape from its weaker-than-usual performance. Korea tried to widen the gap by letting it go. Korea's long ball strategy worked in the 13th minute of the second half as well. While the German players were not able to clear the ball properly, Kang had a perfect opportunity. Kang tried to shoot in front of the net, but she hit the side net.
Korean female warriors tried to properly humiliate Germany. In the 24th minute of the second half, they found a way out by attacking from the side. Im Irisbin broke through from the right and crossed to Jeong. Jeong rushed to finish but was blocked by the goalkeeper.
In the 31st minute of the second half, Choi Han-bin broke through from the left and scored a cross in quick timing. Jeong had a decisive opportunity, but he headed straight to the goalkeeper. Young players held Germany's offensive until the end and blocked it, and the players hugged each other after the game and enjoyed the victory. It was not easy enough for all the players to be amateur players, but it was a miraculous outcome that he did not give up.
Germany was on the rise as if it were the favorite to win the title after winning two consecutive games, but suffered a blow to Korea. Still, Germany confirmed its No. 1 ranking in the group. No. 2 is Nigeria. Korea has secured four points to advance to the round of 16. It has been 10 years since the team advanced to the round of 16 at the U-20 Women's World Cup.
A total of 24 countries participated in this year's event. It consists of six groups of four countries, and the top two players from each group will advance to the round of 16. The third place in each group will compete for the remaining four spots. Argentina, which is the third place in Group F, and Paraguay in Group C, each have one point and three points, respectively. With this result, Park Yoon-ho was able to advance to the round of 16 regardless of the results of other groups.
Coach Park Yoon-jung said in an interview with the Korea Football Association after the game, "You would have expected that it would be difficult to advance to the round of 16, but I emphasized to the players that we have to beat Germany unconditionally and advance to the round of 16. I'm happy that the players seem to have brought that result on their own," and expressed their feelings about winning.