The 2019 U20 World Cup reaches endgame with the final on Saturday Evening (Saturday Morning Korea Time). South Korea have shocked everyone by progressing best result since 1983! They take on East Europeans Ukraine. Few would have predicted these nations in the final, but here we are.
Here is my quick preview and prediction for the game;
2019 U20 World Cup Final – South Korea vs. Ukraine
(note kick off date/time is Seoul Time, not local date/time)
South Korea U20 vs. Ukraine U20
(Sunday June 16th – KO 1am)
South Korea progressed as group runners-up, then beat firstly Japan (Round of 16), then Senegal and finally Ecuador to reach this stage. Ukraine finished top of their group, they then beat New Zealand (needing penalties), Colombia and then Italy in the semi-finals. Ukraine are still undefeated and have a strong defensive record so far during the tournament.
Watch out for Oh Se-Hun (Asan Mugunghwa on loan from Ulsan Hyundai), the forward has been bright so far during the competition and scored against Argentina in the group stages and then the winner against Japan, plus then the winning penalty against Senegal. Also keeper Lee Gwang-yeon (Gangwon) has caught the eye of many especially in recent games, his key saves helped Korea massively against Ecuador. For Ukraine Danylo Sikan (FC Mariupol (on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk)) his four goals so far and with be the main dangerman this weekend. Keeper Andriy Lunin is also catching the eye of many scouts.
Prediction: South Korea U20 2-1 Ukraine U20
Overall this one could go either way, but I feel Korea have the experience in their ranks to claim a famous victory.
More
Here are highlights of South Korea’s semi final victory over Ecuador;
Once again here is the squad for the U20 World Cup (via the KFA).
Finally
Coverage will be limited due to the time difference between here and Poland, but I’ll try my best with updates.
Any thoughts, comments or questions. Feel free to comment below or message me via Twitter.
Modern Seoul 