AFC U20 Asian Cup - Lee’s innovativeness pays dividends for Korea Republic

Shenzhen: Head coach Lee Chang-won’s strategy to use Korea Republic's physical advantage and speed against Thailand paid off when his side overcame a one-goal deficit to emerge 4-1 winners in their U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Group D tie on Monday.

The victory sent the 12-time champions into the knockout stage with a game to spare, having defeated Syria 2-1 in their opening tie.

#AFCU20 | Group D : Thailand 1 - 4 Korea Republic

“Our physique is superior to the Thais, so we tried to use that advantage in our set-pieces and it worked well,” said Lee. “In the second half, we brought in fast players and that strategy worked to our benefit as well.“

Lee said his players were nervous in the first half and didn't perform well, but resumed their normal game after their first goal.

“Our main weakness was psychological, because these are young players who are trying to get over their nervousness,” he said. “So they were not at their best before they scored, but once they got over the pressure, they performed better.

“Thailand had to win following their loss against Japan and prepared well, especially their attack from the flanks. They also defended well and we struggled but managed in the end.”

Thailand head coach Emerson Pereira admitted his side lost power and focus after the break.

“We had a good opening half with our first goal and we had many chances to score,” he said. “But in the second we lost power, made mistakes and allowed them to score three times.

“We need to analyse our game against Korea Republic, fix the problems and focus 100 percent because it's 95 minutes of football until the referee blows the whistle.”

Lee’s innovativeness pays dividends for Korea Republic

Ozeki: Team spirit helped Japan claim vital point against Syria

Group D - MD2: Thailand 1-4 Korea Republic

Group D - MD2: Syria 2-2 Japan

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