FIFA U-20 World Cup 2019
Spirited comeback earns Ukraine first U-20 title
15 Jun 2019
Ukraine are FIFA U-20 World Cup champions for the first time after coming from behind to defeat Korea Republic 3-1 in the Poland 2019 final at Lodz Stadium.
Korea Republic struck quickly through Lee Kangin, who converted his penalty in the fifth minute after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check determined that captain Hwang Taehyeon was tripped inside the right edge of the box.
The Ukrainians poured on pressure as the first half progressed, however, culminating in Vladyslav Supriaha's 34th-minute equaliser. Korea Republic could not fully clear Serhii Buletsa's free-kick delivery into the penalty area, and Supriaha pounced on the loose ball to poke home from eight yards.
Supriaha completed his brace eight minutes into the second half. Yukhym Konoplia's deflected through ball skipped into the Ukrainian forward's path and he beat the goalkeeper one-on-one to put his side on top.
A marauding run from Heorhii Tsitaishvili in the 89th minute sealed the match and the championship for the Ukrainians. The midfielder surged forward from his own half and cracked a shot into the corner of the net.
From never progressing past the Round of 16 to lifting the trophy, Ukraine's unprecedented run to the title will be an enduring memory of Poland 2019.
U20WC 2019 FINAL: UKR KOR
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The Ukraine team celebrate with the FIFA U-20 World Cup Trophy following their team's victory
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: The Ukraine team celebrate with the FIFA U-20 World Cup Trophy following their team's victory in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Valerii Bondar of Ukraine lifts the FIFA U-20 World Cup Trophy
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Valerii Bondar of Ukraine lifts the FIFA U-20 World Cup Trophy following his team's victory in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Yukhym Konoplia of Ukraine celebrates with the FIFA U-20 World Cup Trophy
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Yukhym Konoplia of Ukraine celebrates with the FIFA U-20 World Cup Trophy following his team's victory in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Kangin Lee of Korea Republic poses with his Adidas Golden Ball Award and Andriy Lunin of Ukraine poses with his Adidas Golden Glove Award
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Kangin Lee of Korea Republic poses with his Adidas Golden Ball Award and Andriy Lunin of Ukraine poses with his Adidas Golden Glove Award following the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Lee Kang-in (Korea Republic U-20)
15 Jun 2019
Korea Republic's youngest player at Poland 2019 was also their star performer. The serenity and technical mastery of adidas Golden Ball winner Lee Kang-in led the Taegeuk Warriors to the final. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Andriy Lunin (Ukraine U-20)
15 Jun 2019
Already called up to the senior national side and bought by Real Madrid in 2018, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin displayed all his talent during Ukraine's victorious campaign at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. He was awarded the adidas Golden Glove for his performances at Poland 2019. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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The match officials pose for a photo with their medals
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: The match officials pose for a photo with their medals following the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Kangin Lee of Korea Republic reacts
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Kangin Lee of Korea Republic reacts after the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents Referee Ismail Elfath with his medal
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents Referee Ismail Elfath with his medal following the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Serhii Buletsa of Ukraine celebrates his goal
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Serhii Buletsa of Ukraine celebrates his goal to the level the game 1-1 during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Stephen Pond - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Vladyslav Supriaha of Ukraine celebrates with teammates
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Vladyslav Supriaha of Ukraine celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Heorhii Tsitaishvili of Ukraine celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Heorhii Tsitaishvili of Ukraine celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Kangin Lee of Korea Republic celebrates after scoring his team's first goal
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Kangin Lee of Korea Republic celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Sehun Oh of Korea Republic battles for possession with Oleksiy Khakhlov of Ukraine
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Sehun Oh of Korea Republic battles for possession with Oleksiy Khakhlov of Ukraine during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Vladyslav Supriaha of Ukraine celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Vladyslav Supriaha of Ukraine celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Kangin Lee of Korea Republic scores a penalty for his team's first goal
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Kangin Lee of Korea Republic scores a penalty for his team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Kangin Lee of Korea Republic scores a penalty for his team's first goal
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Kangin Lee of Korea Republic scores a penalty for his team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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FIFA President, Gianni Infantino and Zbigniew Boniek
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: FIFA President, Gianni Infantino (L) and Zbigniew Boniek (R), head of the Polish Football Association look on from the stands prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Serhii Buletsa of Ukraine is tackled by Hyunwoo Kim of Korea Republic
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Serhii Buletsa of Ukraine is tackled by Hyunwoo Kim of Korea Republic during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Yukhym Konoplia of Ukraine controls the ball
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Yukhym Konoplia of Ukraine controls the ball during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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The Ukraine players pose for a team photo prior
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: The Ukraine players pose for a team photo prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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The Korea Republic players pose for a team photo
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: The Korea Republic players pose for a team photo prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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The FIFA U-20 World Cup Trophy is seen
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: The FIFA U-20 World Cup Trophy is seen prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Former Portgual Footballer Fernando Couto carries the FIFA U-20 World Cup trophy
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Former Portgual Footballer Fernando Couto carries the FIFA U-20 World Cup trophy out to the pitch prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Jungyong Chung, head coach of Korea Republic looks on
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Jungyong Chung, head coach of Korea Republic looks on prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Oleksandr Petrakov, head coach of Ukraine looks on
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Oleksandr Petrakov, head coach of Ukraine looks on prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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A Ukraine fan enjoys the pre match atmosphere
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: A Ukraine fan enjoys the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Korea Republic fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Korea Republic fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Kyrylo Dryshliuk of Ukraine (C) looks on
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Kyrylo Dryshliuk of Ukraine (C) looks on prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Viktor Korniienko (L) and Serhii Buletsa of Ukraine look on
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Viktor Korniienko (L) and Serhii Buletsa of Ukraine look on prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Oleh Veremiienko and Oleksandr Safronov of Ukraine walk out for a pitch inspection
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Oleh Veremiienko and Oleksandr Safronov of Ukraine walk out for a pitch inspection prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Korean players arrive at the stadium
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: Korean players arrive at the stadium prior to during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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A detailed view of Kangin Lee of Korea Republic's shin pads are seen inside the dressing room
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: A detailed view of Kangin Lee of Korea Republic's shin pads are seen inside the dressing room prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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General view inside the Ukraine dressing room
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: General view inside the Ukraine dressing room prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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General view inside the Korea Republic dressing room
15 Jun 2019
LODZ, POLAND - JUNE 15: General view inside the Korea Republic dressing room prior to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Ukraine and Korea Republic at Lodz Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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