South Korea captain Lee Seung-won “Nigerian physicality off…technical speed power advantage”
Kim Eun-jung-ho ‘Captain’ Lee Seung-won assesses Nigeria’s physicality.
The Kim Eun-Joong-led South Korea national football team will face Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 at the Santiago del Estero stadium in Argentina on 5 May, kick-off at 2.30am (Korea time).
South Korea are screaming ‘Again in 2019’ after upsetting France and progressing through the group stage (W1 D2 L2) to reach the quarter-finals with a 3-2 victory over Ecuador in the Round of 16. At the U-20 World Cup four years ago, the South Korean team reached the final, led by Lee Kang-in.
Their quarter-final opponents are Nigeria, who surprisingly beat hosts Argentina. Having beaten Italy in Group D, which was dubbed the ‘Group of Death’, to reach the Round of 16, the Nigerians are a formidable opponent. Their only loss of the tournament came against Brazil (0-2) in the group stage. That game was played with the round of 16 already secured.먹튀검증
Nigeria’s counter-attacking game is characterised by their explosive African pace. Even in their 2-0 win over Italy, Nigeria used a long pass to get behind the defence before striker Jude Sunday took just two touches to score.
As usual, Nigeria had one more day’s rest than South Korea, who faced Ecuador in the Round of 16.
‘Ace’ Lee Seung-won, who has three assists to go with his opening goal against France at the tournament, told KFA: “There is a difference between Nigeria and the teams we have played before. “The physicality of the Nigerian forward line is not as good as the previous teams, but their skill, speed and power seem to be their strengths,” he said, adding, “Our strength is our transition. If we play our colours and play counter-attacking football well, we will be able to show our speedy game,” he said.
“The day before the game, the coach always says, ‘Don’t let tomorrow be the last time’. It’s motivating to play with no regrets,” he added.
The winner of the South Korea-Nigeria match will face Italy in the quarter-finals on 9 September at 6am.