South Korea sign off strong, defeat Italy 3-0

A second-half surge from South Korea opened the team's account at the tournament at Italy's expense, winning 3-0.

After a cagey opening half an hour, captain Choi Beomjun capitalised on an Italian mixup in defence, giving Kim Jaeyong's team a lead they would not lose.

South Korea made one change from the 8-0 defeat to Chile, with Sim Gyujeong's inclusion in the starting seven for Lee Seunghwan eventually proving an inspired decision.

Minutes after a spectacular save from Son Hyesong to deny Italy what would have been the opener, his team went in front, after Nicolas Lupoaie's failed attempt to shield the ball back to goalkeeper Alessio Pusterla was pounced upon and converted by South Korea's captain.

Sim then scored twice in 11 minutes to seal the contest, the second sparking wonderful celebrations as he ran over to accept the acclaim from the bench after a first-time effort from a Jang Junho ball forward. Italy will next play Chile in the third-place playoff, with South Korea's tournament over.