South Korea defeated India 1-0 in the quarterfinals.
South Korea defeated India 1-0 in the quarterfinal clash of the AFC U-16 Championship. The Indian side, which had progressed to the quarterfinals after a long wait of 16 years were unable to progress further as Jeong Sang-Bin scored the winner for South Korea in the 68th minute of the match. Indian goalkeeper Niraj Kumar was exceptional in the goalpost as he made a number of saves.
Sunil Chhetri, India’s football sensation, before the match had congratulated the team for qualifying for the quarterfinal of the competition after a long gap of 16 years. A win today would had secured India a place in the U-17 World Cup next year – first qualification for the country on merit. Sixteen years ago, India U-16 team lost to Korea 1-3 at the same stage.
Match Over. Referee blows the final whistle. South Korea beats India 1-0 and progress to the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship. It was a valiant effort by the Indian unit, especially goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.
With less than 10 minutes to go India is searching for an equaliser. Can India bounce back?
GOAL! Heartbreak for the India as Korea get the first breakthrough in the quarterfinal clash. Jeong Sang-Bin sends the ball into the nets, with a little more than 20 mins remaining.
The intensity of the tussle between both the sides remain constant. India look slightly composed in the second-half. Meanwhile, Korea makes their second substitution.
Confusion between the Korean defender and the goalkeeper, but India fails to capitalise on this advantage.
Freekick for South Korea as Shabas Ahammed receives a yellow card. A brilliant effort by Korea, the ball kisses the cross-bar and goes out for a goal kick.
South Korea have made one substitution after the interval. Jeong Sang-sin comes on for Kim Ryun-Seong
Match resumes. Both the sides would be looking for a breakthrough to build pressure on the opponent.
First yellow card of the match. Hong Sung-Wook gets a yellow card for his sliding challenge on Ridge Demello. The score remains 0-0 at the end of first half.
Niraj Kumar has been exceptional so far. One man who has stopped South Korea from finding the nets, it has to be him.
Vikram Pratap, the skipper falls on the ground after a hard challenge by South Korea player. The refree intervenes. However, the cards still remain unused. Game resumes.
The Indian team fight hard to build a momentum. South Korea has been exceptional so far both in offence and defence.
The attack has come only from Korean side so far. The teams has already netted the ball 12 times in the tournament so far. It would be intresting to note how the Indian defenders cope up to the challenge. For now the scoreline remains 0-0.
CORNER! Nicely punched out by Niraj Kumar, he seems to be in fine touch.
South Korea players tossing the ball around the park as India struggles to intercept. Meanwhile, Niraj Kumar rescues India by making an exceptional save.
A nervey situation for the Indian defenders but they manage to keep calm. South Korea get the second corner of the match.
South Korea would like to make the most out of the corner. However, they were unable to threaten the Indian goalkeepr Niraj Kumar.
A lovely ball by the Indian defender but its intercepted by South Korea. Possession still with South Korea as they look to dominate the Indian side right from the beginning.
South Korea hoof the ball up from the kick off but the ball goes into touch immediately. India try and build but don't make much of a move before squandering the ball.
KICK OFF! India vs South Korea underway in the AFC U16 Championship quarterfinals. South Korea get the ball rolling.
Both the teams march towards the ground for their respective national anthems. We are five minutes away from the kick-off.
Earlier, Australia came from behind to defeat Indonesia 3-2 to advance to the semi-finals of the AFC U16 Championship and became the first team to qualify for U17 World Cup.
India's journey thus far at the AFC U16 Championship in Malaysia
India players going through the final warm up and putting in last touches before game kicks off at 6.15 PM IST
India's Starting XI against South Korea
India XI: Niraj Kumar, Thoiba, Shabas Ahammed, Gurkirat Singh, Harpreet Singh, Ravi Rana, Givson Singh, Ricky Shabong, Vikram Pratap (c), Bekey Oram, Ridge Demello
India bench: Lalbaikhluja Jongte, Santosh Singh, Bhuvnesh Shendre, Samir Kerketta, Lalrokima, Manish Chaudhary, L Sailo, C Eric, Harpreet, Shanon Aleixinho, Reuben
India haven't been that clinical in front of the goal but that same cannot be said of Korea who have scored 12 in the three games. But what puts both teams together is the flawless defensive record. Neither have conceded a goal but that could very well change today. [Preview]
Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh and Anas Edathodika wish the team luck for the key clash.
Never has an Indian team been within one game of qualifying for a FIFA World Cup. Hello and Good Evening! Welcome to our live coverage of this extremely important game in Kuala Lumpur featuring the India U16 team against South Korea in the AFC U16 Championship. All four teams that progress to the semi-finals book a place in the U17 World Cup next year in Peru. Australia have already done so. Will India join them? The stakes could not be higher!