The South Korea U-20 national football team was held to a goalless draw against Paraguay in their second group stage match of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, clouding their chances of advancing to the Round of 16. The Korean team, led by coach Lee Chang-won, recorded a 0-0 draw against Paraguay in their Group B second-round match held in Valparaíso, Chile, on October 1st (Korean time). Having lost their first match 1-2 to Ukraine, South Korea now sits at the bottom of the group with one draw and one loss (1 point) after two games.
The game presented South Korea with a numerical advantage in the second half when Paraguay's ace, Enzo González, was sent off just before halftime for a harsh foul. However, the team failed to capitalize on the opportunity with a decisive strike, leaving a sense of regret. Notably, the referee's initial caution was upgraded to a red card following a Football Video Support (FVS) review requested by coach Lee Chang-won, creating a favorable situation for South Korea. The coach successfully utilized the newly introduced FVS system at this tournament.
Leveraging their numerical superiority, South Korea brought on Kim Myung-jun (Genk) for Kim Hyun-oh in the second half to inject life into the attack. Despite a relentless offensive effort—including a header from Kim Myung-jun saved by the opposing goalkeeper in the 52nd minute and a left-footed shot from Kim Tae-won that missed the goal in the 70th minute—they couldn't find the back of the net. The match was played rather aggressively, with a total of ten yellow cards issued to both teams.
After two matches, the Group B standings show Ukraine (4 points) and Paraguay (4 points) leading the group, followed by Panama (1 point, Goal Difference -1, 3 Goals Scored) and South Korea (1 point, Goal Difference -1, 1 Goal Scored). South Korea is tied with Panama on points and goal difference but remains in the last spot (4th) due to having scored fewer goals. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-place teams, will advance to the Round of 16 in this tournament.
Facing elimination, South Korea must secure a victory in their final group stage match against Panama on October 4th (Korean time) to keep their hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 alive. All eyes are on whether Coach Lee Chang-won's team can pull off a reversal in this do-or-die final game.
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