France Under-20s were stunned by a resilient South Korea side, who did just enough to secure a 1-2 win in their opening group match at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The match took place on May 22 at the “Malvinas Argentinas” stadium in Mendoza.
France dominated possession, but it didn’t count in the end.
South Korea left France stunned when they took the lead in the 27th minute. Lee Song-Won finished off the quick break with a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner.
The goal sparked attacking forays from the French boys, but it was the underdogs who scored the next goal.
Lee Young-Joon headed home Lee Seung-Won to double South Korea’s lead in the 64th minute.
A frantic finale was set up when Alan Virginus converted a penalty in the 70th minute. At 1-2 with 20 minutes remaining, France pressed for a winner, but a combination of poor finishing and excellent defending ensured South Korea earned all three points in a 2-1 victory over their more prominent rivals.
France will now turn their attention to their next match against Gambia, while South Korea face Honduras on Thursday 25 May.