Thailand eliminated from U20 Asian Cup after 1-4 loss to South Korea

Following a 0-3 opening loss to Japan, Thailand needed at least a draw to stay in contention. Earlier on Feb. 14, Syria stunned Japan with a 2-2 draw, but that result did not change Thailand's must-win situation.

South Korea wasted no time asserting dominance at Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base. Within the first 10 minutes of the match, they fired multiple shots on goal, with Baek Min-gyu's cross pass setting up Yoon Do-yong, whose following shot struck the crossbar.

Kim Gyeol and Lee Chang-woo also threatened Thailand's defense with three off-mark shots. In the 10th minute, Thai goalkeeper Anut Samran made a crucial diving save to deny Lee Kun-hee's header.

Yotsakorn Burapha (number 9) celebrates his opening goal in Thailand's 1-4 defeat to South Korea in a Group D match of the U20 Asian Cup at Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base, China, Feb. 17, 2025. Photo by FAT

Despite South Korea's early pressure, Thailand scored first in the 23rd minute. A misplaced Korean cross led to a quick counterattack, with Phongsakorn Sangkasopha launching a long ball to striker Yotsakorn Burapha. The striker sprinted past the defense and fired a dipping shot from 20 meters out. Goalkeeper Park Sang-young tried his best but failed to make a save.

However, that goal was Thailand's only bright moment in the match. After being scored, South Korea continued their offense, forcing Thailand to get physical and received three consecutive yellow cards.

In the 32nd minute, South Korea scored the equalizer. A corner kick from Lee Chang-soo led to a chaotic scramble inside Thailand's box before Yoon Do-yong reacted quickly to stab the ball home. Just three minutes later, Yoon set up Kim Gyeol for a powerful volley, but goalkeeper Samran made another impressive save.

Yoon Do-yong (2nd, R) scores South Korea’s equalizer in their 4-1 victory over Thailand in the U20 Asian Cup. Photo by FAT

After halftime, Thailand struggled to keep up with South Korea's pace. In the 58th minute, South Korea introduced wingers Park Seung-soo and Son Seung-min, who made an immediate impact. Just a minute after being substituted in, Park dribbled past his defender on the left flank and sent in a precise cross to Kim Tae-won, who headed the ball into the right corner from close range to make it 2-1 for South Korea.

In the 66th minute, Kim had another opportunity with a strong shot toward Thai's bottom left corner, but goalkeeper Samran managed to push the ball past the goal line.

Thailand could only attempt hopeful long-range shots, but none threatened the goal. South Korea, meanwhile, remained relentless, scoring twice in the final five minutes to seal the result.

In the 86th minute, Son Seung-min sent in another precise cross from the right wing, and Kim Tae-won jumped high at the near post to score a brace. Three minutes later, Park Seung-soo sped through Thailand's exhausted defense, latched onto a through ball, and coolly slotted it into the bottom corner to seal the 4-1 win for South Korea.

South Korea dominated possession with 64% and outshot Thailand 17-5, including 10 on target to Thailand's two. They also delivered 26 crosses and won 12 corners, while Thailand managed just two crosses all game.

Thailand (in blue) play South Korea in the 2025 U20 Asian Cup on Feb. 17, 2025. Photo by FAT

With zero points after two games, Thailand were eliminated from the tournament. They now face Syria in a final group-stage match on Feb. 20. Meanwhile, South Korea advanced to the quarterfinals, joining Australia, China, Iran, and Uzbekistan.

The 2025 U20 Asian Cup runs from Feb. 12 to March 1 in China, with the top four teams earning spots in the 2025 U20 World Cup.