South Korea defeats a strong Brazil side in their opening match at the U17 World Cup.

October 18, 7am (KST) - South Korea, led by head coach Choi Jincheul, opened their 2015 U-17 World Cup campaign (Group B) with a 1-0 win over Brazil in Coquimbo, Chile. Jang Jaewon scored the match's only goal in the 79'. This win over Brazil was Korea's first ever at the FIFA-sponsored event.

Earlier in the day in the other group game England and Guinea drew 1-1, so Korea's win, worth three points, put them atop Group B. Korea's next opponent will be Guinea. The two sides will meet on October 28 at 8am (KST) in the second group stage match.

Choi Jincheul's team remembered their two recent losses to Brazil. In August 2014, the two met in the group stage of the Copa Mexico de Naciones, Brazil won that meeting 3-0. They then met again at the Suwon Cup last September. Again, Brazil won, this time by a score of 2-0. But at just the third time of asking, Korea defeated Brazil.

To meet the three-time U-17 World Cup champions, Korea lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. Lee Seungwoo (Barcelona B) and You Juan (Maetan HS) were paired up top together. Park Sanghyeok (Maetan HS) - Kim Jungmin (Kumho HS) - Jang Jaewon (Hyundai HS) - Kim Jinya (Daegun HS) were in the midfield. Park Myeongsu (Daegun HS) - Choi Jaeyoung (POSCO HS) - Lee Sangmin (Hyundai HS) - Yoon Jonggyu (Shingal HS) made a four-back defense. Donning the goalkeeping gloves was Ahn Joonsoo (Uijeongbu FC).

From the beginning, Brazil dominated the possession battle. However, Korea was very focused. The Korean players maintained their composure and spacing to block Brazil's attacks. Korea's defense looked much more solid then it did at the Suwon Cup when it was a major weakness. In the first half Korea didn't allow Brazil a shot on goal which gave the team a sense of security.

Instead, Korea attacked on the counter, connecting their short passes to trouble the Brazil defense. In the 9' Korea's Kim Jungmin struck a powerful shot on goal. The Brazil keeper pushed Kim Jungmin's shot away, but it feel to the feet of Lee Seungwoo. However the keeper was quick to block his follow up shot. In the 21' Yoon Jonggyu won a free kick in a good spot, just outside the Brazil penalty area. Park Myeongsu took the kick and his effort hit the Brazil wall. The rebound fell to Lee Seungwoo whose follow up shot lacked power and accuracy.

In the second half, Korea experienced an unexpected event. At the end of the first half, Choi Jaeyoung suffered an injury and could not continue playing. Lee Seungmo (POSCO HS) replaced the injured Choi. Immediately after the second half restarted, Lee Seungmo made a poor pass in a dangerous position, fortunately his teammates came to the rescue and quickly resolved the situation.......

＞＞READ MORE "KOREA FA"