2010 AFC U-19 Championship
The 2010 AFC U-19 Championship was an international men's under-19 football tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), serving as the continental qualifying competition for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.[1][2] Held across four cities in China from 3 to 17 October 2010, the event featured 16 national teams divided into four groups, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout stages.[3] North Korea won the tournament, securing their third title by defeating Australia 3–2 in the final at Zibo Sports Centre Stadium, where Jong Il-gwan scored a hat-trick (11', 43', 89'); Australia's Kerem Bulut replied with two goals (25', 30').[4][3][5] The tournament drew from a broad qualification process involving 42 AFC member nations, split into West and East zones, with the top teams advancing to the finals in China, which was selected as host by the AFC in February 2010.[6] The group stage matches were played in Liuzhou, Yanji, Changsha, and Zibo, showcasing emerging talents from across Asia, including strong performances from South Korea and Saudi Arabia, who reached the semifinals alongside the finalists.[3] Australia's Kerem Bulut led the scoring with seven goals, earning the top scorer award and highlighting the tournament's role in identifying future stars for senior national teams.[7] As the primary pathway for Asian representation at the global youth level, the top four finishers—North Korea, Australia, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia—qualified directly for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where they competed against teams from other confederations.[1] The event underscored the growing competitiveness of Asian youth football, with 31 matches producing 78 goals and drawing significant attention to players like Australia's Mustafa Amini and North Korea's Jong Il-gwan, who later transitioned to professional careers.[4][3]Background
Overview and significance
The 2010 AFC U-19 Championship represented the 36th edition of the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) flagship under-19 men's football tournament, showcasing emerging talent across the continent.[8] Held in China from October 3 to 17, it brought together 16 national teams in a competitive format that highlighted the depth of youth football in Asia.[3] The tournament's primary significance lay in its role as the final qualification stage for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where the top four finishers—North Korea, Australia, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia—secured berths to represent Asia on the global stage.[9][10] Across 31 matches, 78 goals were scored, averaging 2.52 per game, underscoring the event's intensity and goal-scoring prowess among young players.[3] Tracing its roots to the inaugural AFC Youth Championship in 1959, the competition has long served as a crucial development pathway, nurturing talents who transition to senior national teams and professional leagues, thereby strengthening Asian football's international standing.[11][12]Host selection and dates
The bidding process for the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship began in early 2009, with interested member associations required to submit formal bids by June 11, 2009.[13] Three countries—China, Thailand, and Indonesia—submitted bids to host the finals, which were initially scheduled for November 1–16, 2010, in accordance with AFC statutes requiring the event to be held in the East Zone.[13] The AFC conducted inspections of the proposed venues in September and October 2009, after which the AFC Competitions Committee recommended China as the host in November 2009.[13] This recommendation was formally approved by the AFC Executive Committee on February 9, 2010.[8] The tournament was ultimately held from October 3 to 17, 2010, in the city of Zibo, Shandong Province, with the schedule adjusted from the original November dates to better align with international youth competition calendars.[14] China's selection was influenced by the province's established football infrastructure, including modern stadiums and training facilities in Zibo, which supported the event's requirements for hosting 16 teams.[15] As the host nation, China received automatic qualification to the finals, bypassing the qualification rounds and joining 15 other teams in the competition.[16] This marked China's first time hosting the AFC U-19 Championship, providing an opportunity to showcase its youth development capabilities on the continental stage.[8]Qualification
Format
The qualification process for the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship involved a total of 42 teams, divided into the West Zone comprising 24 teams and the East Zone with 18 teams, with matches played from October 2009 to April 2010.[17][18] In the West Zone, the 24 teams were organized into four groups of six teams each, where each group competed in a single round-robin format.[17] The top two teams from each of these four groups advanced directly to the finals, along with the best third-placed team determined by comparing points, goal difference, goals scored, and head-to-head results among the third-placed sides, resulting in 9 teams qualifying from the West Zone.[19] The East Zone featured 18 teams split into three groups of six teams each, also using a single round-robin format within groups.[17] The top two teams from each of the three groups advanced, along with the best third-placed team, yielding 7 qualifiers from the East Zone (including the host nation China PR with automatic entry).[18][19] Overall, these rules ensured that 16 teams qualified for the finals tournament.[17] The draws for both zones were conducted separately on 20 February 2009 at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with seeding based on FIFA world rankings of the senior national teams and performances in previous AFC U-19 Championships.[17]Summary of qualifiers
The qualification process for the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship culminated in 16 teams advancing to the finals tournament held in China. From the West Zone (9 teams): United Arab Emirates, Syria (Group A); Saudi Arabia, Iraq (Group B); Uzbekistan, Iran (Group C); Jordan, Yemen (Group D); plus Bahrain as the best third-placed team.[3][19] From the East Zone (7 teams): South Korea (Group E); Thailand (Group F); Vietnam (best third-placed); Japan (Group G); Australia, North Korea; plus host China PR.[20][19] A key highlight was Australia's dominant performance in the East Zone, where they topped their group with an unbeaten record and the highest goal tally among all qualifiers, demonstrating their attacking prowess en route to the finals.[1] The overall qualification involved seven round-robin groups, resulting in 105 matches played across both zones, during which a total of 312 goals were scored, averaging nearly three goals per match and underscoring the offensive intensity of the competition.[17][21]Venues
Venue locations
The 2010 AFC U-19 Championship was hosted entirely in Zibo, a city in Shandong Province, eastern China, marking a centralized approach to the tournament's geographic setup. All matches took place within Zibo, with one venue located in the Linzi District—a suburb recognized for its historical ties to ancient football precursors—and the other in the central area of the city. This single-host-city model facilitated efficient organization for the 16 participating teams from across Asia.[15][14] Zibo was selected as the host location due to its modern sports infrastructure, which had been developed to support national-level events, and its inclusion as a key city project under the AFC's Vision Asia development program aimed at promoting grassroots football across the continent. The choice also leveraged Linzi District's cultural significance as the purported birthplace of cuju, an ancient Chinese game considered a forerunner to modern football, aligning with the AFC's efforts to connect historical heritage with contemporary tournaments. Additionally, Zibo's strategic position in Shandong Province ensured accessibility, with the city situated near major transportation hubs.[15] The single-city hosting minimized inter-venue travel for teams, allowing them to base operations centrally and focus on competition without extensive relocation. Zibo's proximity to Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, roughly 90 kilometers to the north, provided convenient air access for international delegations arriving from across Asia and beyond. This logistical setup contributed to the smooth execution of the event from October 3 to 17, 2010. The tournament represented Zibo's inaugural hosting of a major AFC youth championship, highlighting the city's emerging role in international football.[22]Stadium details
The 2010 AFC U-19 Championship utilized two stadiums in Zibo, Shandong Province, China, both of which were recently constructed facilities suitable for international youth competitions. The Zibo Sports Centre Stadium served as the main venue, accommodating a capacity of 45,000 spectators. Opened in 2009, it hosted numerous group stage matches, quarter-finals, at least one semi-final, and the tournament final on October 17. The stadium features floodlights to support evening fixtures.[23][22][1] The Linzi Stadium, with a capacity of 14,000, was employed for additional group stage encounters and one semi-final, including the match between Australia and Saudi Arabia on October 15.[1]Participating teams and squads
Qualified teams
The 2010 AFC U-19 Championship featured 16 teams that qualified through the preliminary rounds or as the host nation, representing a mix of established powerhouses and emerging talents from across Asia.[5] These teams were drawn into four groups of four, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout stage. The participating nations included Australia, Bahrain, China PR, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Syria, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen. The qualified teams showcased diverse strengths, with eight from West Asia (Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen), four from East Asia (China PR, Japan, North Korea, South Korea), one from Central Asia (Uzbekistan), and two from Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam). Australia, as an AFC member from Oceania, added to the East Asian contingent through its developmental focus on youth pathways, aiming to build on its strong regional record. Notable among the entrants was the United Arab Emirates as defending champions from 2008, when they defeated Uzbekistan 2-1 in the final.[24] North Korea entered as previous winners from 2006, having edged Japan on penalties after a 1-1 draw, and were expected to leverage their disciplined style for another deep run.[24] Japan and South Korea, both multi-time champions with South Korea holding a record 12 titles, were anticipated to dominate through technical prowess and experience in youth internationals. Australia, runners-up in recent qualifiers and boasting a robust national youth system, sought to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup via a strong showing. The draw on 9 May 2010 in Zibo, China, placed top seeds—Japan, South Korea, Australia, and North Korea—into separate groups to ensure competitive balance.[17]| Team | Region | FIFA Senior Ranking (Oct 2010) | Notable Previous U-19 AFC Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Oceania/AFC | 21st (862 pts) | 4th place (2008); strong youth pipeline for senior success[25][24] |
| Bahrain | West Asia | 84th (403 pts) | Qualified via West Zone; limited finals experience[25][5] |
| China PR (Host) | East Asia | 89th (375 pts) | Automatic qualification; 3rd place (2005)[25][5] |
| Iran | West Asia | 61st (502 pts) | West Zone qualifiers; champions (1974, 1976 shared)[25][24] |
| Iraq | West Asia | 94th (342 pts) | 5-time champions (last 2000); recent regional resurgence[25][24] |
| Japan | East Asia | 30th (779 pts) | Runner-up (2006); 1 title (2016, post-event note for context)[25][24] |
| Jordan | West Asia | 95th (341 pts) | Emerging side; best 4th place (2006)[25][24] |
| North Korea | East Asia | 111th (270 pts) | Defending from 2006 win; 2 titles prior to 2010[25][24] |
| Saudi Arabia | West Asia | 71st (453 pts) | 3-time champions (last 1986); consistent quarter-finalists[25][24] |
| South Korea | East Asia | 40th (640 pts) | Record 12 titles; frequent finalists[25][24] |
| Syria | West Asia | 105th (304 pts) | Limited success; aiming for breakthrough[25][5] |
| Thailand | Southeast Asia | 108th (284 pts) | East Zone qualifiers; growing youth program[25][5] |
| United Arab Emirates | West Asia | 99th (328 pts) | Defending champions (2008); 1st title win[25][24] |
| Uzbekistan | Central Asia | 97th (332 pts) | Runner-up (2008); rising Central Asian force[25][24] |
| Vietnam | Southeast Asia | 139th (164 pts) | Debut-level finals; focus on development[25][5] |
| Yemen | West Asia | 117th (231 pts) | Underdogs; qualified via West Zone playoffs[25][5] |
Squad compositions
The regulations for the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship stipulated that each participating team register a squad of maximum 23 players, comprising three goalkeepers and a maximum of 20 outfield players, with all players required to be born on or after 1 January 1991 to meet the under-19 age eligibility criteria. Squads were finalized in the weeks leading up to the tournament, with head coaches selecting players based on qualification performances and domestic form. Pre-tournament injuries were minimal and not widely documented, though some teams made minor substitutions for fitness reasons; for example, Australia's coaching staff adjusted the roster after a training camp to include emerging talents from the A-League youth systems.[1] AustraliaHead coach Jan Versleijen led a squad blending A-League prospects and international youth standouts, emphasizing attacking flair and defensive solidity. Notable players included striker Kerem Bulut (born 3 February 1992, centre-forward, no senior club affiliation at the time but developed through Australian youth setups), who emerged as a prolific goal threat with his physical presence and finishing; winger Tommy Oar (born 10 December 1991, left winger, Brisbane Roar), known for his pace and crossing ability from early senior appearances; forward Mathew Leckie (born 4 February 1991, left winger, Adelaide United), a versatile attacker with strong dribbling skills; midfielder Mustafa Amini (born 20 August 1993, central midfield, Newcastle Jets), a technically gifted playmaker with dual Australian-Iranian heritage; and goalkeeper Mark Birighitti (born 17 April 1991, Adelaide United), who provided reliable shot-stopping in goal. The squad's depth in midfield allowed for fluid transitions, drawing from players like Terry Antonis and Dimitri Petratos.[26][1] North Korea
Under head coach Jo Tong-sop, the North Korean squad featured disciplined, technically proficient players from domestic leagues like Rimyongsu SC, focusing on counter-attacking strategies honed during qualification. Key figure Jong Il-gwan (born 30 October 1992, forward, Rimyongsu SC) stood out as a dynamic striker with exceptional speed and finishing, contributing significantly to the team's title win through his role in build-up play and goal involvement. Other notables included midfielder Ri Chol-min (born 15 September 1991, central midfield, April 25 SC), a tenacious box-to-box player with strong tackling; defender Kim Yu-il (born 1992, centre-back, Rimyongsu SC), who anchored the defense with aerial dominance; and goalkeeper Kang Ju-hyok (born 21 July 1992, Rimyongsu SC), noted for his reflexes. The roster emphasized collective unit play over individual stars, with limited international club exposure.[27] South Korea
Head coach Lee Kwang-jong assembled a balanced squad from K-League academies, prioritizing technical midfield control and speedy wingers to support qualification momentum. Standout Ji Dong-won (born 28 May 1992, forward, Pohang Steelers at the time), impressed as a clinical finisher with intelligent movement off the ball; winger Yun Il-lok (born 27 July 1992, left winger, FC Seoul youth), celebrated for his creativity and assists; goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo (born 25 June 1992, Ulsan Hyundai), a commanding presence with excellent distribution; defender Kim Jin-su (born 13 January 1992, left-back, FC Seoul), versatile and reliable in transitions; and midfielder Nam Tae-hee (born 23 October 1991, attacking midfield, Rosenborg later). The group showcased future K-League stars, with emphasis on possession-based football.[28][29] China
Host nation China's squad, coached by Su Maozhen, drew from domestic Super League reserves, aiming to leverage home advantage with a mix of experienced youth internationals. Notable inclusions were goalkeeper Yan Junling (born 28 January 1991, Shanghai SIPG), who offered solid handling; midfielder Cai Huikang (born 20 September 1991, Shanghai Shenhua), a hardworking central figure with vision; and forward Zhang Yuning (born 5 August 1993, Beijing Guoan later), showing promise in attack. The roster focused on familiarity with tournament venues but lacked standout international prospects.[30] Japan
Coached by Osamu Eto, Japan's team highlighted J-League academy talents, known for disciplined pressing and technical precision. Key players included midfielder Gaku Shibasaki (born 28 May 1992, central midfield, Kashima Antlers), a composed deep-lying playmaker; forward Yuki Otsu (born 15 March 1991, Yokohama F. Marinos); defender Daiki Niwa (born 23 February 1991, Gamba Osaka); winger Takayuki Seto (born 20 November 1991, Kashima Antlers); and goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda (born 3 March 1993, FC Tokyo). The group emphasized tactical awareness from qualification success.[31] For other teams like Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, squads similarly featured domestic league prospects; Iran's included striker Kaveh Rezaei (born 6 April 1992, Saipa, powerful forward); Iraq's Hassan Ali (born 1991, midfielder, Al-Shorta); and Saudi Arabia's Naif Hazazi (born 27 July 1992, Al-Nassr, goal scorer). No major pre-tournament substitutions were reported across the field, maintaining focus on qualified lineups.[32][33][34]
Group stage
Group A
Group A of the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship was contested by the host nation China, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Thailand, with matches held at Zibo Sports Centre in Zibo, China, from 3 to 7 October 2010. The top two teams advanced to the quarter-finals. China demonstrated strong home form, topping the group with seven points from three matches, while Saudi Arabia secured second place with six points. Syria finished third with three points, and Thailand placed last with one point.[35] The group opened on 3 October with China defeating Saudi Arabia 3–1 in the early match, showcasing the hosts' attacking prowess against a competitive Saudi side. Later that day, Syria edged Thailand 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter, giving the Syrians an early advantage.[36] On 5 October, China continued their momentum with a 2–0 victory over Syria, solidifying their position at the top, while Saudi Arabia bounced back with a 1–0 win against Thailand, keeping their qualification hopes alive. The decisive day on 7 October saw China draw 1–1 with Thailand, sufficient to clinch first place, and Saudi Arabia seal their advancement with a 1–0 triumph over Syria in the concurrent fixture. China's defense proved solid, conceding just two goals, while Saudi Arabia's tactical discipline ensured they overcame an opening loss.[36]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China (H) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 7 | Quarter-finals |
| 2 | Saudi Arabia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | Quarter-finals |
| 3 | Syria | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 3 | |
| 4 | Thailand | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 1 |
Group B
Group B of the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship featured Uzbekistan, North Korea, Bahrain, and Iraq, with matches played at Linzi Stadium in Zibo, China, from October 3 to 7, 2010.[5] The group was characterized by Uzbekistan's dominant defensive performance, conceding no goals across their three fixtures, while North Korea showcased strong attacking play to secure second place.[5] The top two teams advanced to the quarter-finals, where Uzbekistan and North Korea progressed.[5] The opening matches on October 3 saw Uzbekistan edge North Korea 1–0, with Abdukhaliqov scoring from the penalty spot in the 64th minute, demonstrating Uzbekistan's tactical discipline in midfield control.[5] In the other fixture, Bahrain defeated Iraq 2–1, with goals from Saad Al Amer in the 50th minute and an own goal by Ali Bahjat in the 56th, after Ali Sabah had put Iraq ahead in the 44th minute; this result highlighted Bahrain's quick counter-attacks.[5] On October 5, North Korea rebounded with a 3–0 victory over Iraq, thanks to goals by Jang Kuk-Chol in the 14th minute, Jang Song-Hyok from the penalty in the 45th, and Pak Song-Chol in stoppage time (90+4), underscoring their clinical finishing.[5] Uzbekistan maintained their clean sheet by beating Bahrain 1–0, with Smolyachenko's goal in the 17th minute sealing a controlled performance.[5] The final round on October 7 concluded with Uzbekistan's 2–0 win against Iraq, where Bakhritdinov scored just before halftime (45th minute) and Mirzayev added a late goal in the 90th, solidifying their group leadership through consistent possession play.[5] North Korea clinched second place with a 2–0 triumph over Bahrain, featuring Ri Hyong-Jin's strike in the 56th minute and Pak Song-Chol's goal in the 77th, a standout moment of their forward line's synergy.[5]| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 9 |
| North Korea | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 6 |
| Bahrain | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| Iraq | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
Group C
Group C featured Japan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Vietnam, and Jordan, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage.[5] The group matches were played between 4 and 8 October 2010 in Zibo, Shandong Province, China.[5] The opening matches on 4 October saw Japan secure a 2–1 victory over the UAE, with goals from an own goal by UAE's Rashid (53') and Yuki Ibusuki (90+1') for Japan, while Ahmed Khalil scored for the UAE in the 90th minute.[5] In the other fixture, Vietnam edged Jordan 2–1, with Le Quoc Phong netting the winner in the 55th minute after Jordan's Za'tara had opened the scoring in the 37th and an own goal by Israiwa in the 72nd.[5] On 6 October, Japan dominated Vietnam with a 4–0 win, highlighted by Takashi Usami's hat-trick (45', 77', 90') and Masaki Musaka's opener in the 8th minute, showcasing Japan's potent attacking play.[5] Jordan and the UAE played out a goalless draw in the day's second match, a result that kept both teams in contention for advancement.[5] The final round on 8 October saw the UAE thrash Vietnam 4–0, driven by Khalil's hat-trick (6', 23', 27') and a penalty from Omar Abdulrahman (77'), underlining the UAE's clinical finishing.[5] Japan completed a perfect group stage with a 3–0 win over Jordan, as Genki Nagai scored twice (49', 83') and Ibusuki added one (76'), demonstrating Japan's defensive solidity and counter-attacking efficiency.[5] Japan topped the group with maximum points, advancing alongside the UAE on goal difference.[5] Standout moments included Usami's prolific scoring for Japan and Khalil's decisive contributions for the UAE, which propelled both teams forward while eliminating Vietnam and Jordan.[5]Group D
Group D of the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship consisted of Australia, South Korea, Iran, and Yemen, with matches held from 3 to 8 October 2010 at stadiums in the Zibo area of China, including the Zibo Sports Centre Stadium and Linzi Stadium. The group was marked by strong defensive displays from the top two teams, with South Korea conceding no goals across their three matches, while Australia demonstrated clinical finishing to top the group on goal difference. The top two teams advanced to the quarter-finals. The group opened on 3 October 2010 with South Korea defeating Iran 2–0 at Linzi Stadium. South Korea controlled the game tactically, limiting Iran's attacking opportunities and securing an early win to start their campaign strongly.[37] On 4 October 2010, Australia overcame an early setback to beat Yemen 4–1 at Zibo Sports Centre Stadium. Yemen took the lead in the second minute through Ahmed Al-Samawi, but Australia responded with goals from Kerem Bulut, Dylan McGowan, Aaron Mooy, and Ben Kennedy, showcasing their depth in attack and resilience after the quick concession. The victory gave Australia a commanding start, highlighting their ability to dominate possession and create chances against a resilient Yemeni defense. The second matchday on 6 October 2010 saw Yemen lose 0–1 to South Korea at Zibo Sports Centre Stadium, with South Korea's solitary goal coming from a well-executed set-piece in the second half, extending their perfect record and clean sheet. Later that day, Iran fell 0–3 to Australia at Linzi Stadium in front of 8,761 spectators, as Australia's midfield orchestrated a dominant performance, overwhelming Iran's backline with pace and precision to virtually secure their advancement.[38] The final matchday on 8 October 2010 featured a tense 0–0 draw between group leaders Australia and South Korea at Linzi Stadium, a result that underscored both teams' defensive solidity but left advancement dependent on goal difference. In the concurrent fixture, Iran claimed their only victory of the group, beating Yemen 2–0 with both goals from Kaveh Rezaei (59' and 88' pen.), providing a morale boost despite elimination. The attendance was 6,746.[39] Australia finished atop the group on goal difference, advancing as winners alongside South Korea, who progressed as runners-up due to their unbreached defense—a rare feat in the tournament. Iran and Yemen were eliminated, with Yemen's early goal against Australia their sole score in the group. The outcome reflected Australia's attacking flair and South Korea's tactical discipline, setting up intriguing quarter-final matchups.| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 7 |
| South Korea | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 7 |
| Iran | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | −3 | 3 |
| Yemen | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 | −6 | 0 |
Knockout stage
Quarter-finals
The quarter-finals of the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship were played on 11 October 2010 in Zibo and Linzi, China, marking the start of the single-elimination knockout phase. The matchups paired group winners against runners-up from other groups, with winners advancing to the semi-finals and the top four finishers qualifying for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup.[3] In the opening quarter-final at Zibo Sports Centre, Group A winners China faced Group B runners-up North Korea. The match remained goalless at halftime, but North Korea broke the deadlock with goals from Jong Il-gwan (51') and Kim Yu-il (72') to secure a 2–0 victory and advance.[41][42] The second quarter-final at Zibo Sports Centre pitted Group B winners Uzbekistan against Group A runners-up Saudi Arabia. Uzbekistan took the lead through Odil Ahmedov (28'), but Yahya Al-Shehri equalized in the 45+1st minute before the end of regular time, forcing extra time. Al-Shehri scored the decisive goal in the 107th minute to win 2–1 and progress to the semi-finals.[43][44] Group C winners Japan met Group D runners-up South Korea in the third quarter-final at Linzi Stadium. Japan opened the scoring through Kensuke Nagai (23'), but South Korea mounted a comeback with three second-half goals from Kim Ju-sung (57'), Jung Hye-sung (62'), and Lee Jong-min (90+1') to lead 3–1, despite Yuta Toyokawa's late reply for Japan (90+3') in a 3–2 win.[45] The final quarter-final at Linzi Stadium saw Group D winners Australia take on Group C runners-up United Arab Emirates. UAE scored first through Tariq Ahmed (34'), but Kerem Bulut equalized just before halftime (45+1'). Australia took the lead via Bulut (70'), but UAE leveled again (80'). Bulut restored the lead two minutes later (82'), and Matthew Fletcher added the fourth in extra time (108') for a 4–2 triumph, earning qualification to the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the process.[9][46]Semi-finals
The semi-finals of the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship took place on 14 October 2010 in Zibo, China, featuring the winners from the quarter-finals: North Korea against South Korea, and Saudi Arabia against Australia.[5][3] In the first semi-final at Zibo Sports Centre, North Korea defeated South Korea 2–0 to advance to the final. Jong Il-gwan opened the scoring in the 45th minute with a clinical finish, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the South Koreans just before halftime. The match remained tense in the second half until Ri Hyok-chol sealed the victory in the 79th minute with a well-taken goal, showcasing North Korea's counter-attacking efficiency against their rivals' possession-based approach. This result marked North Korea's strong progression, building on their quarter-final win over China.[5][47] The second semi-final at Linzi Stadium saw Australia overcome Saudi Arabia 2–0, securing their place in the final. The first half was goalless, with Australia having a goal disallowed for offside in the 6th minute and Saudi Arabia creating chances through Yahya Dagriri's shots in the 26th and 42nd minutes, both saved by goalkeeper Matt Acton. After halftime substitutions, including Terry Antonis for Rhyan Grant, Australia dominated; Kerem Bulut scored the opener in the 69th minute from Tommy Oar's cross, followed by a 74th-minute penalty after Matthew Fletcher was fouled in the box, which Bulut converted confidently. The attendance was 5,430, and the match was refereed by Masaaki Toma of Japan.[1][48] North Korea and Australia thus qualified for the final on 17 October, while the losing semi-finalists South Korea (who had defeated Japan in the quarter-finals) and Saudi Arabia (who had defeated Uzbekistan) were eliminated without a third-place match being contested.[5][3]Final
The final of the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship took place on 17 October 2010 at Zibo Sports Centre in Zibo, China, pitting North Korea against Australia for the continental youth title.[6] North Korea emerged victorious with a 3–2 scoreline, marking their third championship win after previous triumphs in 1976 (shared with Iran) and 2006.[24][49] The match, refereed by China's Tan Hai, began at a high tempo with North Korea striking first in the 11th minute through Jong Il-gwan's solo run and finish, giving them a 1–0 lead.[6] Australia responded swiftly, equalizing in the 25th minute when Kerem Bulut headed home a precise cross from Tommy Oar on the left flank.[6] Five minutes later, Bulut scored his second goal of the match after Oar's shot was blocked, turning the play into a tap-in and putting Australia ahead 2–1.[6] Just before halftime, in the 43rd minute, Jong Il-gwan leveled the score at 2–2 with a deflected effort that wrong-footed the Australian goalkeeper.[6] The second half saw both sides trade possession in a closely contested affair, with Australia maintaining pressure through midfield control while North Korea relied on disciplined defending and quick transitions.[6] Key referee decisions, including calls on several physical challenges, kept the game flowing without major disruptions.[6] Tension built as the clock ticked down, culminating in the 89th minute when Jong Il-gwan completed his hat-trick by capitalizing on a fumbled cross in the Australian box, securing a dramatic comeback victory for North Korea.[6] Post-match analysis highlighted Australia's strong attacking play but pointed to defensive lapses and misfortune as factors in the loss, with coach Jan Versleijen commending his players' resilience despite the heartbreak.[6] North Korea's tactical discipline and Jong Il-gwan's clinical finishing were pivotal in overturning the deficit.[6] The trophy presentation followed immediately, with North Korea lifting the AFC U-19 Championship amid celebrations of their third title success.[24]Awards and statistics
Winners and runners-up
North Korea emerged as the champions of the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship, securing their third title in the competition's history by defeating Australia 3–2 in the final held at Zibo Sports Centre Stadium in China. The team's success was underpinned by a robust defensive structure that limited Australia's attacking opportunities and effective counter-attacks, exemplified by Jong Il-gwan's hat-trick, including a solo run for the opening goal in the 11th minute and a decisive chip in the 89th minute.[50] This victory marked a significant achievement for North Korean youth football, building on their prior triumphs in 1976 and 2006.[24] Australia finished as runners-up, achieving their best-ever performance in the tournament up to that point.[24] The Young Socceroos' campaign highlighted the strength of Australia's youth development system, with several players from the squad, including Kerem Bulut and Matthew Jurman, progressing to represent the senior national team or professional leagues, reinforcing the pathway to the Socceroos.[51]Player awards
Jong Il-gwan of North Korea was recognized as the AFC Youth Player of the Year for 2010, an award highlighting his pivotal role in his nation's tournament triumph, including a decisive hat-trick in the final against Australia.[52] This accolade, presented annually by the Asian Football Confederation to Asia's top emerging talent under 21, underscored Jong's overall impact as the standout performer across the competition.[53] The selection process for the AFC Youth Player of the Year involves votes from a panel comprising national team coaches, media representatives, and AFC technical observers, evaluating players based on performances in international tournaments and domestic leagues during the calendar year.[53] Jong's contributions, which also included key goals in earlier knockout stages, exemplified the criteria emphasizing technical skill, leadership, and decisive influence in high-stakes matches.[52] No official tournament-specific individual awards, such as a Golden Ball for best player or a best goalkeeper honor, were documented by the AFC for this edition, though Jong's recognition served as the primary individual distinction linked to the event.Goalscorers
Kerem Bulut of Australia was the top scorer at the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship, earning the Golden Boot award with 7 goals across the tournament. His prolific scoring helped Australia reach the final, where they lost 3-2 to DPR Korea, and marked the highest individual tally in the competition since the 2008 edition, when the leading scorers netted 4 goals each. Bulut's goals included a brace in the semi-final victory over Saudi Arabia, securing a 2-0 win, and two in the final against DPR Korea.[50][1][54] The tournament saw a total of 78 goals scored in 31 matches, averaging 2.52 goals per game, with forwards dominating the scoring charts as expected in youth competitions emphasizing attacking play. DPR Korea's Jong Il-gwan finished with 5 goals, including a hat-trick in the final.[3][55][6]| Rank | Player | Team | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kerem Bulut | Australia | 7 |
| 2 | Jong Il-gwan | DPR Korea | 5 |
| 3 | Several players (e.g., Hiroshi Ibusuki of Japan) | Various | 4 |