Ukraine U20 vs Korea Republic U20 - Ukraine set to make history in U20 World Cup Final

Eddy Tora

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Last updated: 12 Jun 2019

Eddy Tora 12 Jun 2019

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Ukraine have a well balanced side that can emerge victorious in Lodz

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Ukraine U20 vs Korea Republic U20 Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

One nation will be making history as Ukraine and Korea Republic meet in the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup Final at Stadion Miejski in Lodz. Ukraine U20 have the better team and range of attacking options, I think they can defeat Korea Republic U20 and lift the trophy.

Ukraine U20 Form & Team News

Ukraine began their FIFA U20 World Cup campaign with Serhii Buletsa and Denys Popov on target in a 2-1 win against USA. Buletsa then assisted central defender Popov for his second goal of the tournament in a 1-0 win against Qatar.

Manager Oleksandr Petrakov rested most of his starters in the final group game against Nigeria that ended in a 1-1 draw after Danylo Sikan had put Ukraine into the lead. Serhii Buletsa and Heorhii Tsitaishvili came back into the starting line up in the round of 16 as Ukraine U20 beat Panama U20 4-1 in Tychy.

Danylo Sikan scored a brace with goals to Denys Popov and Serhii Buletsa putting the result beyond doubt to set up a quarter-final clash against Colombia. Sikan scored in the 11th minute to secure a 1-0 win without goalkeeper Andriy Lunin who was called up to the senior side.

Lunin returned in the semi-finals against Italy and played a key role in the 1-0 win at Gdynia Stadium. Yukhym Konoplia’s cross was converted by Serhii Buletsa in the 65th minute which was enough to see Ukraine reach their first FIFA U20 World Cup final.

Central defender Denys Popov was sent off and is suspended which is a blow for Petrakov’s side. Oleksandr Safronov will take his place and Heorhii Tsitaishvili returns from suspension which is a boost for Ukraine.

Ukraine are slight favourites at 2.50 in the betting market and I am backing the Eastern Europeans at that price.

Serhii Buletsa has been the best player for Ukraine at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup (Getty Images)

Korea Republic U20 Form & Team News

Korea Republic lost their opening match at the U20 World Cup with a 1-0 defeat against Portugal. They bounced back with a 1-0 win against South Africa with Kim Hyunwoo scoring the winner.

The Taeguk Warriors needed a positive result against Argentina, Oh Sehun and Young-Wook on target in a 2-1 win to ensure a spot in the round of 16. Asian rivals Japan were the opponents with Oh Sehun scoring in another 1-0 win.

Jeong-yong Jung’s side then took on Senegal in the quarter-finals and advanced in a penalty shootout in Bielsko-Biala after the match ended 3-3 after extra time. Kangin Lee equalised from the penalty spot registered two assists for Jisol Lee and Cho Youngwook.

Kangin Lee was at it again against Ecuador in the semi-finals, his smart free kick releasing Choi Jun who produced a fine finish that secured a 1-0 victory. Goalkeeper Lee Gwanyeon was on hand in the final minute of stoppage time, making a reflex save to stop Leonardo Campana’s close-range header.

The U20 World Cup final will also be the first Korea Republic, their best result coming at the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship in Mexico where they finished fourth. Korea Republic U20 can be backed to beat Ukraine U20 at 3.20 with a draw priced at 3.00.

Ukraine U20 vs Korea Republic U20 Head to Head

These nations have played on one occasion, a friendly in March 2019 with Ukraine U20 winning 1-0 against Korea Republic U20.

Ukraine U20 vs Korea Republic U20 Match Up

Ukraine U20 have well balanced side with right-back Yukhym Konoplia registering three assists and midfielder Serhii Buletsa registering two assists and three goals. Striker Danylo Sikan has been preferred to Vladyslav Supriaha up front and scored four goals in his last four appearances.

Korea Republic U20 have ridden their luck at times at the 2019 U20 World Cup. Kangin Lee is the star player and he has delivered in their last two matches with a goal and three assists. If Ukraine can shut him down they will go a long way towards winning the match.

Ukraine U20 vs Korea Republic U20 Key Statistics

Ukraine U20 have won 7 of their last 9 matches in all competitions.
Ukraine U20 have won 7 of their last 9 matches (U20 World Cup).
Ukraine U20 have won 3 of their last 5 matches 1-0 (2019 U20 World Cup).
Korea Republic U20 have lost 5 of their last 10 matches (all competitions).

Verdict

Ukraine U20 have more balance in their squad and a range of attacking options. I think they have a better team than Korea Republic U20 who have been relying on Kangin Lee.

I am backing Ukraine to win at 2.50 and secure their first FIFA U20 World Cup title.

Best Bet: Ukraine U20 Win @ 2.50 at bet365 - 4 Units

Correct Score Tip: Ukraine U20 Win 1-0 @ 6.50 at bet365 - 1 Unit