Lee Ji-sol's headed goal in added time made it 2-2 to force the match into extra-time where Korea Republic then took the lead through Cho Young-wook, only for Senegal to draw level again.

The penalties were another heart-stopping affair as Korea Republic missed their first two attempts before eventually sealing their first FIFA U-20 World Cup semi-final spot with a 3-2 win, with Ecuador awaiting them on Tuesday.

Korea Republic will face Ecuador, who beat the USA 2-1, in the semi-finals on Tuesday. It will be their first appearance in the last four stage since 1983.

Senegal were the more active attackers in the first half and broke through in the 37th minute. Ibrahima Niane's cushioned header from the goal line set up captain Cavin Diagne for an uncontested finish from eight yards.

The Young Lions of Teranga held their lead until the 62nd minute. Korea Republic earned a penalty after Lee Ji-sol was pushed in the back inside the 18-yard box, and up stepped Lee Kang-in to equalise coolly from the spot.

Korea Republic, whose campaign ended at the last-16 stage when they hosted the 2017 edition, will now meet Senegal in the last eight on Saturday.

Korea Republic defeated six-time champions Argentina 2-1 in their final Group F match to finish second in the standings behind the South Americans on goal difference, sealing a Round of 16 showdown with Asian rivals Japan on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, exited the tournament after falling to their third consecutive defeat as they went down 2-1 to Panama in Group E.

Both Asian teams went into their respective matches needing to win after having lost their opening ties but while Korea Republic held on strongly after Kim Hyun-woo gave them the lead in the 69th minute, Saudi Arabia saw Mali come from behind twice to take all three points deep in added time.

Reigning AFC U-19 Championship winners Saudi Arabia were defeated 2-0 by France while Korea Republic were edged 1-0 by two-time FIFA U-20 World Cup champions Portugal.

Two of the three Asian expressions of interest could see the 2021 edition co-hosted as Bahrain Football Association, Saudi Arabian Football Federation and United Arab Emirates Football Association have indicated theirs will be a joint bid.

The Myanmar Football Federation and Football Association of Thailand are also keen on co-hosting the 2021 edition while Indonesia also expressed their intention to bid before the May 21 closing date.

The Brazilian Football Association and Peruvian Football Association submitted individual expressions of interest.