Korea Makes Strong Start at U-20 World Cup with Win over France

Korea beat France 2-1 in its first group match of this year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Mendoza, Argentina on Monday.

Lee Seung-won of Gangwon FC netted the opening goal in the 22nd minute and Lee Young-jun of Gimcheon Sangmu added a header off a cross from Lee Seung-won in the 64th minute, while France scored a penalty in the 70th minute.

Korea now has a stronger chance of advancing to the knockout stage after defeating France, which is considered one of the strongest contenders and won the 2013 tournament. 

The competition features six groups of four countries. Korea is grouped with France, Gambia and Honduras.

The biennial event kicked off in Argentina for the first time in four years as it was canceled in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The top two finishers from each group and four best third-place teams will advance to the knockout stage.

Korea, which secured three points from the win against France, will face Honduras on Thursday and Gambia on May 28.