The South Korea Under-20 National Team, led by head coach Kim Eun-joong, will host Honduras at the Mendoza Stadium in Argentina on June 26 at 6:00 a.m. ET in their second Group F match of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The U-20 World Cup features a total of 24 nations divided into six groups of four teams. The best four teams from the first, second, and third place finishers in each group make up the round of 16 tournament. The third-place team also has a chance, so every win or point counts.
South Korea (3 points), who won their first match against France, are tied atop the standings with Gambia (3 points). South Korea’s second opponent, Honduras, is also winless along with France.
With one win, South Korea is in a good position to advance to the Round of 16, especially since it came against France, which was considered their toughest opponent. If South Korea beats Honduras, they can significantly increase their chances of advancing to the round of 16.
With two wins and six points, South Korea would secure at least second place in the group if France and Gambia tie. This is because the most France can earn is four points.
Even if France and the Gambia split their games먹튀검증, a win over Honduras would give them an advantage in the fight for third place. Currently, only Ecuador and Italy have more than three points among the top three teams after two games. Only Groups E and F have not played a second game, increasing their chances of finishing in the top four.
After a brief hiatus, Kim Eun-jung-ho’s “No. 10” Bae Joon-ho (Daejeon Hana Citizen) is ready for action. With his skill set, Bae Jun-ho can help the team fight for the back. He’s also proven to be a competitive player for his club.
Bae started eight games in the K League 2 last season. He also played in both of the promotion playoffs. This season, he’s stepped up his game. He has played in seven K League 1 games and is proving to be a force to be reckoned with beyond the U-22 regulations. He missed the game against France due to a muscle problem, but he has shaken off the injury and is waiting for his call-up.
“The first game was difficult in terms of physical strength and other aspects, but with the victory, the fatigue decreased a lot,” Kim told the Korea Football Association ahead of the match against Honduras, adding that the team’s recovery speed was fast.
Kim warned that “Honduras is a team with good basic physical conditions and individual abilities,” but vowed to win, saying, “The first match victory has already passed, so we will prepare thoroughly and bring the desired result as much as possible.”