This June, the U17 Asian Cup will begin with 16 teams fighting for four spots in the World Junior Championship. As the favorites to win the tournament, the Korean U17 men's soccer team has already flown to Europe to train and prepare for the tournament. Not long ago, they played a warm-up match against European powerhouse Croatia U17s. When they conceded a goal, Korea managed to turn it around and win with a later effort!
In the U17 Asian Cup qualifiers that ended last year, South Korea's performance could only be described as underwhelming. They lost 2-3 to Uzbekistan in their first match of the group stage. More recently, they advanced to the round of 16 with the best group of six on goal difference. Such a performance is undoubtedly unacceptable to Korean fans. In order to get the team back in shape, the Korean U17 men's soccer team assembled early and started a new preparation. Not long ago, they flew to Croatia to participate in the four-nation tournament against Croatia U17, Turkey U17, and Denmark U17.
In the first round of the tournament, Korea U17 met hosts Croatia U17. Before the start of the match, both teams also observed a moment of silence for the victims of the earthquake in Turkey. Perhaps they were more familiar with the field and climate, and the Croatians scored early on to take a 1-0 lead. However, the Koreans were not discouraged. With goals from Yoon Do-young and Kim Sung-joo in the 18th and 36th minutes, Korea turned the score to 2-1 before halftime.Although both teams created some chances, no one could score again. In the end, Korea started the match well with a 2-1 win over Croatia!
Through this match, the Korean U17 men's soccer team managed to come out of their slump and showed their excellent form. They will also have an impact on the throne of the champion in the coming U17 Asian Cup. If they play properly, it shouldn't be a problem for Korea U17 to reach the semifinals, so they will also lock up a ticket to the world tournament. In the last world tournament, Korea U17 beat Mexico U17 0-1, but unfortunately, they stopped in the semifinals. If they play the world tournament again, the Korean men's soccer team will be aiming for the title!
In the U17 Asian Qualifiers, the Chinese Men's soccer team also performed quite well. In the group stage, the Chinese U17s defeated Cambodia U17s and Northern Mariana Islands U17s, and although the Chinese team lost 1-3 to Australia in the final round, it still managed to qualify for the U17 Asian Cup on goal difference. However, having failed to qualify for the last tournament, the Chinese team will certainly be placed in the "Group of Death" and qualifying for the group will be a very difficult task!
I hope these young U17 players can surprise you, after all, the Chinese men's soccer team has been sinking into the doldrums for too long and desperately needs a win to prove itself!
