Led by Golden Ball winner Lee Kang-in and heroic shot-stopper Lee Gwang-yeon, the young Taeguk Warriors took home a silver medal. It was the best finish at a men's FIFA tournament in the country's history.

The Taeguk Warriors capitalised on a goalkeeping mistake to take the lead in the 26th minute and added another to their tally 15 minutes later by forcing a turnover, earning a lead they would not relinquish to open their campaign in style.

Just like in their opening match, the Joeys conceded twice in the first-half at the Estádio Olímpico in Goiânia to trail 2-0 at the break.

But Trevor Morgan’s side roared back in the second-half, deservedly taking something from the match thanks to goals from Noah Botic and Caleb Watts.

Yamato Wakatsuki scored in each half, while Jun Nishikawa added a third from the penalty spot as the Asian champions made a statement of intent at Brazil 2019.

The win places Tajikistan top of Group E after a thrilling Matchday One, which saw Spain and Argentina play to a goalless draw in the day's earlier match.

Tajikistan will be aiming to continue their fine form when they play Spain next.

A celebration ceremony has been arranged for the squad which defied expectations to finish runners-up to Ukraine on Saturday.

Korea Republic enjoyed a dream start, with midfielder Lee giving them the lead in the fifth minute from the penalty spot.

Korea Republic's exploits in the tournament, which had seen them score five consecutive wins en route to the final after having lost to Portugal in their tournament opener, eventually caught up with them as they tired and Ukraine walked away 3-1 winners.

Featuring in their first-ever global final, Korea Republic struck first through Lee Kang-in, who converted his penalty in the fifth minute after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check determined that captain Hwang Taeh-yeon was tripped inside the right edge of the box.