SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- South Korea secured a spot in the quarterfinal of the AFC U20 Asian Cup after coming from behind to defeat Thailand 4-1 in Group D here on Monday, with Kim Tae-Won bagging a brace.
Yotsakon Burapha's shot from out of the box gifted Thailand a lead in the 23rd minute. Yoon Do-yong equalized for South Korea in the 32nd minute. South Korea dominated the second half as Kim scored twice in the 59th and 86th minute. Substitute Park Seung-Soo added another to clinch the victory.
In an earlier match, Japan came from behind twice to salvage a 2-2 draw with Syria.
Mohammad Al Mustafa opened the scoring for Syria in the 10th minute before Yuto Ozeki netted in the 24th minute to equalize for Japan. Syria regained the lead in the 33rd minute as Ahmad Soufi's powerful shot hit the left post before settling in the net. Japan leveled again in the 85th minute thanks to Rento Takaoka's goal.
After winning the first two matches, South Korea has booked a spot in the final eight, while Japan only needs a draw in the third round to advance. Thailand has been eliminated after two defeats. ■
