FIFA U-17 World Cup

France remain perfect in Group C

France see off Korea Republic 3-1 in Goiania
Les Bleuets qualify for the Round of 16
Clever passing around the box sparked both first-half goals

France got the better of Korea Republic 3-1 on Wednesday in a Group C clash at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™, a result that helped ensure Les Bleuets' place in the tournament's knockout phase. Both teams entered the encounter boasting wins in their debuts, and France left the Estadio da Serrinha unscathed thanks in large part to their organised attacking moves.

France

Again the French faced a team content to sit back, defend and wait for counter-attacking opportunities. It took until the second half to unlock the Chileans on the first matchday; this time France earned the opening goal in the 17th minute. Isaac Lihadji threaded his pass into the path of a charging Amaud Kalimuendo-Muinga, whose low shot stung the back of the net. Naouirou Ahamada and Timothee Pembele linked up skilfully in the penalty area for the second goal three minutes from half-time. Ahmada played Lihadji through one-on-one with the goalkeeper for France's third in the 78th minute.

Korea Republic

Korea Republic were missing starting left-back Lee Taeseok due to a red card picked up in their first match, a 2-1 win over Haiti. His absence was evident on France's first goal, which came to fruition down the right side. The Korean attack was mostly unable to trouble France goalkeeper Melvin Zinga until the end of the match, when substitute No11 Jeong Sangbin pulled a goal back from close range in the 89th minute.

Up next

2 November

Group C
Haiti-France (Goiania/Serrinha, 17:00 local time)
Chile-Korea Republic (Vitoria/Cariacica, 17:00 local time)

Isaac Lihadji #18 of France U-17 celebrates after he scores

30 Oct 2019

GOIANIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 30: Isaac Lihadji #18 of France celebrates after he scores his teams 3rd goal during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Group C match between Korea Republic and France at Estadio da Serrinha on October 30, 2019 in Goiania, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Players of Korea Republic U-17 arrive at the stadium

30 Oct 2019

GOIANIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 30: Players of Korea Republic arrive at the stadium ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Group C match between Korea Republic and France at Estadio da Serrinha on October 30, 2019 in Goiania, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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A general view of the France U-17 locker room

30 Oct 2019

GOIANIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 30: A general view of the French locker room ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Group C match between Korea Republic and France at Estadio da Serrinha on October 30, 2019 in Goiania, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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The starting lineup of France U-17 pose

30 Oct 2019

GOIANIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 30: The team of France line up before the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Group C match between Korea Republic and France at Estadio da Serrinha on October 30, 2019 in Goiania, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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The starting lineup of Korea Republic U-17

30 Oct 2019

GOIANIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 30: The team of Korea Republic line up before the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Group C match between Korea Republic and France at Estadio da Serrinha on October 30, 2019 in Goiania, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Hojun Son #3 and Hanbeom Lee #4 of Korea Republic U-17 challenge Timothee Pembele of France U-17

30 Oct 2019

GOIANIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 30: Hojun Son #3 and Hanbeom Lee #4 of Korea Republic challenge Timothee Pembele of France during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Group C match between Korea Republic and France at Estadio da Serrinha on October 30, 2019 in Goiania, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Hojun Son #3 and Jonghun Lee #17 of Korea Republic U-17 challenge Nathanael Mbuku of France U-17

30 Oct 2019

GOIANIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 30: Hojun Son #3 and Jonghun Lee #17 of Korea Republic challenge Nathanael Mbuku of France during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Group C match between Korea Republic and France at Estadio da Serrinha on October 30, 2019 in Goiania, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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France's Timothee Pembele against Korea Republic - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

30 Oct 2019

GOIANIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 30: Timothee Pembele of France celebrates after he scores the opening goal during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Group C match between Korea Republic and France at Estadio da Serrinha on October 30, 2019 in Goiania, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Oh Jaehyeok #8 of Korea Republic U-17 challenges Naouirou Ahamada #13 of France U-17

30 Oct 2019

GOIANIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 30: Jaehyeok Oh #8 of Korea Republic challenges Naouirou Ahamada #13 of France during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Group C match between Korea Republic and France at Estadio da Serrinha on October 30, 2019 in Goiania, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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France players celebrate against Korea Republic - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

30 Oct 2019

GOIANIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 30:Players of France celebrate their opening goal during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Group C match between Korea Republic and France at Estadio da Serrinha on October 30, 2019 in Goiania, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

© Getty Images