The Moroccan national team qualified for the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup by defeating South Korea 2-1 in the round of 16 on Thursday in Chile, continuing their impressive run.

The “Atlas Lions” dominated the match from the start, opening the scoring with an own goal by Shin Min-ha (8) before Yasser Zouabri doubled the lead (58).

South Korea reduced the deficit in the final moments through Kim Tae-won (90+6 from a penalty).

Morocco will face the United States, who defeated Italy 3-0, in the quarterfinals.

The Korean team almost surprised Morocco with an early goal just three minutes in, when Kim Tae-won fired a powerful shot past the goalkeeper, but Moroccan defender Ismail Bouaouf intervened at the last moment to clear the ball off the line.

Morocco quickly responded as Zouabri scored a spectacular bicycle kick that deflected off Shin Min-ha into his own net, giving Morocco a valuable lead (8).

In the second half, Morocco extended their lead with a brilliant goal following a precise cross from English Watford player Othman Maama from the right flank, which Zouabri headed powerfully into the net (58).

Before the final whistle, South Korea reduced the score after earning a penalty, successfully converted by Kim Tae-won (90+6).

After the victory, Maama said, “It was a tough match. I am happy that the team and coaching staff managed to come back strongly after the defeat against Mexico.”

He added, “Now, I will focus on the next match. You always have to keep that in mind and keep working until the end.”

The Watford player continued, “We have to focus on training, analyze what we did well today, and see how far we can go.”

Morocco finished the group stage top of Group C despite losing the last round to Mexico 0-1, having previously achieved notable wins over Brazil 2-1 and Spain 2-0.

Morocco’s best result dates back to finishing fourth in the 2005 edition in the Netherlands.

This is Morocco’s first time reaching the quarterfinals in 20 years.

Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Wahbi, said after the match, “It is true that I felt the group was not completely calm, but there was real determination and a strong desire to qualify. From the start, we felt this will, regardless of the opponent.”

He added, “We respected the Korean team and knew very well that they are a high-quality team. At times, our defense rushed because we wanted to play and create chances, while they were just waiting to exploit any loose ball. But we managed to be smart and adapt to the flow of the match.”

Wahbi acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming quarterfinal match, saying, “Now we know that all matches will be tough. Regarding the United States, I mentioned even before arriving in Chile, during a press conference, that they are a very good team, very very good. We realize every match will be complicated.”