Korea Republic have failed to reach the finals of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 after a narrow defeat against Indonesia.
 

Hwang Sunhong’s charges were eliminated following a 11-10 reverse in the penalty shootout against Indonesia in the quarter-finals of the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, after 120 minutes of the dramatic encounter ended in a 2-2 stalemate at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Thursday. The result put an end to the Taegeuk Warriors’ record of nine consecutive appearances at the Games, as they fell short of reaching the finals of Paris 2024 this summer.
 

These finals also act as the final round of qualifying for Paris 2024 Olympic Games: top three teams qualify directly for the finals, with the fourth placed team to play off against Guinea that finished fourth in the African qualifiers. A total of 16 teams are divided into four groups of four teams, with top two sides from each group advancing to the knockout phase.
 

Hwang raised a few eyebrows with an unexpected approach against Indonesia. Having claimed two wins in as many games based on his solid back four earlier in the group stage, Hwang rested most of his key players whilst deploying three defenders against Japan. Korea Republic edged Japan 1-0 to reach the last eight as group winners.
 

That was why Hwang was expected to revert to his favoured formation and lineup, although the coach stuck with the same 3-4-3 formation that he had opted for against Japan. Some of the familiar faces were given more rest on the bench, as striker Lee Youngjun, midfielder Kang Sangyoon and goalkeeper Kim Jeonghoon did not start.
 

Kang Seongjin started up front as a lone striker flanked by Eom Jisung and Hong Sihoo; Lee Taeseok, Kim Dongjin, Paik Sanghoon and Hwang Jaewon in midfield; Cho Hyuntaek, Lee Kanghee and Byeon Junsoo at the back; and Baek Jongbeom between the posts.

Korea Republic almost drew first blood within ten minutes, when Lee Kanghee latched onto a loose ball from the edge of the area. However, the goal did not stand after a VAR review, as another Korean player had been adjudged to be offside when the shot was taken amidst a goalmouth scramble.
 

It was Indonesia that took the lead in the 15th minute. Against the run of play, Rafael Struick curled an audacious effort into the top corner with the keeper Baek Jongbeom beaten.
 

Korea Republic could have fallen further behind midway through the first half, when Marcelino Ferdinan miscued a point-blank effort after exchanging a one-two with Struick on the left side of the area.
 

The luck was on Korea Republic’s side on the stroke of half time, as Eom Jisung’s header off a Hong Sihoo cross ricocheted off the head of Komang Teguh and into the back of the net. However, it took only three minutes for Indonesia to restore their advantage, with Struick capitalising on a defensive mix-up.

Hwang responded by making three changes to reinforce his attack, with three-goal hero Lee Youngjun, Jeong Sangbin and Kang Sangyoon coming off the bench right after the interval.
 

Korea Republic began to take control but the equaliser remained elusive, as Indonesia fought back with quick counterattacks. To make matters worse, substitute Lee Youngjun was given his marching orders following a VAR review on a reckless challenge against Justin Hubner on 70 minutes.
 

However, the ten men in red did not give up without a fight. With only six minutes remaining, Hong Yoonsang broke against the run of play to put Jeong Sangbin through on goal. The diminutive forward lurked into the left side of the area and made no mistake with a clinical finish. Another VAR review ensued but it proved to be a palpable hit as the goal did stand.
 

But Korea Republic were dealt another blow deep into added time, as coach Hwang was sent off from the bench for a protest against the referee’s decision. Nevertheless, the Taegeuk Warriors held firm without a coach, despite being outnumbered and depleted, as the shootout loomed large.
 

All five men from each side converted their penalties as the shootout went into a nail-biting sudden death, which forced their twelfth kickers to decide the destiny – Lee Kanghee saw his effort blocked by Ernando Ari, before Pratama Arhan fired his country into last four.

2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup

Quarter-finals

Korea Republic 2 (a.e.t. 10 PSO 11) 2 Indonesia

Goals: Rafael Struik(15’, Indonesia), Komang Teguh (45’ o.g. Korea), Rafael Struik (45’+3, Indonesia), Jeong Sangbin (84’, Korea)

KOR: Baek Jongbeom(GK), Cho Hyuntaek, Lee Kanghee, Byeon Junsoo, Lee Taeseok (Kang Sangyoon 46’), Kim Dongjin (Lee Youngjun 46’), Paik Sanghoon, Hwang Jaewon, Eom Jisung (Hong Yoonsang 75’), Kang Seongjin (Jang Siyoung 80’, Kim Minwoo 105’), Hong Sihoo (Jeong Sangbin 46’)