FIFA U-17 World Cup: France Keeps 100 Percent Record

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.

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 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.

By Olamide Oyetunji