Korea Republic advance to the semifinals of the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup with a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout win over defending champions Uzbekistan. Goalkeeper Hong Seong-min emerged as the hero for Korea Republic, saving two penalties in the shootout to send his team through. The victory secured Korea Republic’s spot in the semi-finals against Saudi Arabia, as well as a place in the FIFA U- 20 World Cup in Chile in 2025. It also marked another step toward their record-extending 13th AFC U/20 Asian cup title. The match was held on Sunday in Shenzhen, with both teams making several changes from their last group stage match, with captain Kim Tae-won and six others returning to the starting eleven. The quarter-final ended 3-3 after extra time, with neither team able to find the winner, and the match was ultimately decided by penalties. The semi-final will be played on February 25. The final will be held on February 26.
