Korea U-16 squad loses final in France

Korea’s U-16 football team was the runner-up in the 42nd Mondial Football Montaigu in France. The team led by coach Choi Jin-cheul lost, 2-1, in the final on Monday local time against the Ivory Coast despite a goal scored by FC Barcelona’s top prospect, Lee Seung-woo.

Korea advanced to the final by winning Group B with a win and two draws.

After allowing a goal on a corner kick in the 39th minute, Lee Seung-woo scored the equalizer in the 55th minute on a free kick situation, but they allowed another goal in the 89th minute.

Choi utilized every possible option to beef up the offense, including replacing Lee Yeon-kyu with Lee yong-un.

“One good thing is that Korea gained more confidence from the event,” said analyst Park Mun-sung. “We proved that we can be competitive against strong European nations, such as England and Portugal.”

By Kwon Sang-soo