Knockout hopes dim as Korea remain goalless at U-20 World Cup

South Korea recorded a goalless draw Wednesday against Venezuela in Group D at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, salvaging one point ahead of their final group stage match against Germany.

Korea's Bae Ye-bin, right, in action against Marianyela Jimenez of Venezuela during a FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup match at Techo Stadium in Bogota, Colombia on Wednesday. [EPA/YONHAP]

South Korea recorded a goalless draw Wednesday against Venezuela in Group D at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, salvaging one point ahead of their final group stage match against Germany.

The young Taeguk Ladies attempted 14 shots in total, two on target, but none of them found the back of the net. Venezuela also lacked decisiveness, failing to score a goal despite 11 shot attempts and three on target.

South Korea has yet to score a goal at this year’s tournament, having lost their first group stage match against Nigeria on Monday 1-0.

With one loss and one draw, South Korea now sit in third place on the four-team table in Group D. The country can still book a ticket to the knockout stage, as two teams each from six groups and the four best third-placed teams reach the round of 16.

This year marks the first time that 24 teams have played in the biennial tournament. The 2022 tournament included 16 countries.

First started in 2002, the U-20 World Cup has seen five champions so far: Germany and the United States with three titles apiece, North Korea with two and Japan and Spain with one each.

Two-time champions North Korea are competing again this year, as well as 2022 champions Spain, who sit at the top of Group C with two wins.

The U-20 South Korean national team made their first appearance in the World Cup in 2004 and has competed seven times, with a third-place finish in 2010 remaining their best result.

They have not reached the semifinals since then and crashed out of the group stage in 2022.

South Korea face three-time winners Germany in their last group stage game on Saturday. Germany will be in action on the back of two wins in the group stage.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]