[Nagoya AG] Lee Youngjun Equalizes, Bae Junho Scores Winner... Lee Minseong's Squad Reaches Final, Eyes Fourth Straight Title

Eom Jiseong Provides Two Assists
Korea to Face Winner of Japan vs. Uzbekistan in October 3 Final

The South Korea under-23 (U-23) men’s football team, aiming for a fourth consecutive Asian Games title, has advanced to the finals of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games by defeating China.

The U-23 national team, led by head coach Lee Minseong, secured a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over China in the men's football semifinal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held at Nagai Stadium in Osaka, Japan, on September 30. South Korea conceded the opening goal in the 22nd minute of the first half to Wang Yidong following a defensive lapse during a Chinese counterattack. However, Lee Youngjun equalized with a header in the 33rd minute of the first half, and Bae Junho scored the game-winning goal with another header in the 37th minute of the second half. Korea will compete for the gold medal against the winner of the Japan-Uzbekistan semifinal, which is being held later in the evening, on October 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Coach Lee Minseong started Lee Youngjun as the team’s center forward. Despite joining the squad late due to club commitments, Lee Youngjun played a decisive role in the previous quarterfinal against Vietnam, scoring two goals to propel Korea to victory.

Lee Youngjun is celebrating after scoring the equalizing goal in the 33rd minute of the first half during the men's soccer semifinal match against China at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held on the 30th at Nagai Stadium in Osaka, Japan. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Bae Junho, Lee Hyunju, and Eom Jiseong supported Lee Youngjun in the second line. Lee Seungwon and Hwang Doyoon anchored the midfield, while Bae Hyeonseo, Kim Jisoo, Shin Minha, and Choi Seokhyeon formed the four-man defense.

From the outset, Korea actively targeted the flanks, with Eom Jiseong leading the charge and orchestrating the attack. China responded with physical defending, and although Korea dominated the offensive play, they struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Despite applying constant pressure, Korea was undone by a single counterattack and conceded the first goal. In the 22nd minute of the first half, China launched a high, lofted ball from near the halfway line. Wang Yidong broke the offside trap, headed the ball forward, and slotted it into the Korean net. After scoring, China shifted all of their players—even their main striker—below the halfway line to reinforce their defense.

Although the situation could have destabilized the team, Lee Youngjun quickly equalized. Following the goal conceded, Korea continued to push the ball into China’s penalty area, maintaining their attacking momentum. Eventually, a defensive error from China inside the box led to a corner kick. Lee Youngjun connected with Eom Jiseong’s cross, heading the ball into the net and making it 1-1 in the 33rd minute of the first half.

Korea continued to dictate the flow of the match in the second half, leading the attack.

In the 6th minute of the second half, Korea missed a promising chance. Eom Jiseong fired a curling shot from the left side of the penalty box, which the Chinese goalkeeper parried. The rebound fell to Lee Youngjun inside the penalty area, but instead of shooting, he passed toward the center. However, no teammate was on hand to finish, and the opportunity passed.

Bae Junho is celebrating after scoring the go-ahead goal in the 37th minute of the second half during the men's soccer semifinal match against China at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held at Nagai Stadium in Osaka, Japan, on the 30th. Photo by Yonhap News.

In the 33rd minute of the second half, Korea faced a close call. China launched an attack down the right wing and delivered a cross. Kim Jisoo attempted to clear with a header, but instead, the ball was sent dangerously toward the Korean goal, nearly resulting in an own goal. Fortunately, the ball narrowly missed the left goalpost. On the subsequent corner kick, Liu Haofan produced a header on target, but goalkeeper Kim Junheung made a comfortable save.

The long-awaited winning goal came in the 37th minute of the second half. Eom Jiseong sent a deep cross from the left side into the penalty box, and Bae Junho surged in from the right to head the ball past the Chinese keeper, making it 2-1.

Afterward, China pushed their lines higher in search of an equalizer but failed to create any meaningful chances. The match ended with Korea securing a 2-1 come-from-behind win.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.