The Taeguk Warriors have shown fantastic resolve in the competition, having come from behind twice in the quarter-finals to beat Senegal 3-2 on penalties after the pulsating match ended 3-3 in extra time.

They continued their fine form in the semi-finals against their South American opponents to set-up an exciting encounter against Ukraine in the final.

The AFC President was full of praise for the young Korean Republic stars: “Congratulations to Korea Republic on reaching the final in the FIFA U-20 World Cup - a first for their country. Their achievements so far have been remarkable, and I hope they carry on this form and go on to win the competition."

Korea Republic will meet Ukraine in Saturday's final, with the Europeans having edged Italy 1-0 in their semi-final.

It will be Korea Republic's first appearance in the final, having lost in the semi-finals of the 1983 edition and comes after the East Asians opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Portugal in the group stage.

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.