The match between Morocco’s national team and Korea ended today, Friday, in Chile, in the round of 16 of the U20 World Cup, with the “Atlas Lions” securing their ticket to the next round with a 2-1 victory.

The match decided which team would face the United States in the U20 World Cup quarterfinals, after the US defeated Italy’s youth team 3-0.

Morocco scored early through a beautiful bicycle kick by striker Zubairi in the 8th minute, but the goal was credited as an own goal by Korean player Shin Min-ha after the ball touched his foot on its way into the net.

The U20 team managed the first half well despite Korea’s dangerous offensive pressure, returning to the locker room at halftime with Morocco leading 1-0.

The second goal for Morocco came in the 58th minute, with a decisive pass from Othman Maama from the right wing to Zubairi, who headed the ball into the left side of the Korean goalkeeper’s net.

Leading 2-0, Morocco pushed Korea to attack more towards goalkeeper Yanis Benchawash’s goal, focusing on set pieces and corner kicks.

Korea earned a penalty in the 90+6 minute of added time in the second half, which they converted to reduce the final score to 2-1 in favor of Morocco.

It is worth noting that Morocco topped their group in the group stage, winning their first match 2-0 against Spain, then defeating Brazil 2-1, before coach Mohamed Wahbi fielded substitute players against Mexico, losing 1-0.