Seoul: South Korea secured a place in the quarterfinals of the men's football tournament at the Asian Games due to results in other matches.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Saudi Arabia's 2-0 victory over Qatar in the Group D match at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Rugby Field ensured South Korea's advancement. Group D consists of only three teams: South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. South Korea had previously defeated Qatar 4-1, with Eom Ji-sung scoring a first-half hat trick.
With the top two teams from each group moving to the quarterfinals, Qatar's consecutive losses confirmed their last-place finish. This development granted South Korea and Saudi Arabia automatic progression to the quarterfinals before their head-to-head match in Nagoya on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The winner of the South Korea vs. Saudi Arabia match will top Group D and face the runner-up from Group C in the quarterfinals on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Conversely, the Group D runner-up will play the Group C winner at 2 p.m. on the same day. Both quarterfinal matches will take place at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Rugby Field.
Group C comprises Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Kuwait, and the Philippines. Uzbekistan has already secured a knockout spot by winning their initial two matches. They will face Vietnam on Tuesday to determine the top seed.
Under the coaching of Lee Min-sung, the under-23 Taegeuk Warriors aim to achieve a fourth consecutive Asiad gold medal for South Korea.