Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kunshan: Korea Republic captain Hwang Hyun-soo is setting his sights on securing the AFC U23 Championship 2018 title after his nation’s heartbreaking loss in the final against Japan in Qatar two years ago.
The Koreans threw away a two-goal lead in the final 24 minutes against their great rivals as the Japanese won the title for the first time to leave the Shin Tae-yong-coached side devastated.
Just a single player – Belgium-based defender Hwang Ki-wook – remains in the squad from the one that was selected in 2016 but Hwang is hoping he and his teammates have the experience required to avoid a similar outcome later in the tournament.
“As the representatives of Korea Republic, we will do our best and our goal is to get the championship,” said the 22-year-old FC Seoul midfielder.
“Two years ago we lost to Japan in the final. That was a bad experience, but hopefully we have learned from that and we can do better this time.”
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/japanu23-2016_final.html
