The East Asian side, seeking a record-extending 13th title, produced a below par performance with head coach Lee Chang-won admitting the quarter-final win against Uzbekistan - which had also required spot-kicks - had taken a toll on his players.
“I would like to congratulate Saudi Arabia for reaching the final,” said Lee. “They did really well in this game. Our team lost because of our fitness level. .....
AET | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 0️⃣-0️⃣ Korea Republic 🇰🇷 (3️⃣-2️⃣ on pens)
— #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) February 26, 2025
2018 champions, Saudi Arabia will play for the trophy on Saturday!#AFCU20 | #KSAvKOR pic.twitter.com/ZKa4sOxA0c
＞＞READ MORE "AFC Official Site"
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U20 ASIAN CUP] Funakoshi: Japan must improve](https://image.eaff.com/index/8069.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA] Korea Republic eliminated on penalties against Saudis in Asian Cup semis](https://image.eaff.com/index/8068.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U20 ASIAN CUP] Australia upend Japan to waltz into title decider](https://image.eaff.com/index/8067.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA] Choi Yoojung and Choi Dakyeong open their accounts as Korea Republic win Pink Ladies Cup](https://image.eaff.com/index/8066.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][AFC U20 ASIAN CUP] Kim focused on matching illustrious Korea Republic predecessors](https://image.eaff.com/index/8065.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U20 ASIAN CUP] Ozeki wants Japan to stand tall in the eyes of the world](https://image.eaff.com/index/8064.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U20 ASIAN CUP] Japan live up to Funakoshi’s expectations](https://image.eaff.com/index/8061.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][AFC U20 ASIAN CUP] Homework pays off for Korea Republic’s Hong](https://image.eaff.com/index/8060.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA]【Match Report】Nadeshiko Japan score four goals in back-to-back matches to claim their second straight win at 2025 SheBelieves Cup](https://image.eaff.com/index/8063.jpg)
