Japan U17’s controversial goal against South Korea from an incorrectly placed free kick has been nominated as the best goal of the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U17 Asian Cup.

The AFC opened voting for the Best Goal of the Tournament on its website today (June 6) with eight nominees.

Among the nominees was Japan’s Gaku Nawata’s goal against South Korea in the final on June 2.

In the 44th minute of the match, Korea’s Ko Jong-hyun (Matango) fouled Japan’s Michiwaki Yukata, resulting in a free kick, which Gaku took and scored the first and final goal 메이저사이트 주소.

It was a devastating goal for South Korea as Ko Jong-hyun was sent off for his second booking for the foul. Depending on how you look at it, it could have been a fair play.

The location of the free kick was also controversial. The spot was moved forward by about 7-8 meters from where Go Jong-hyun fouled, making the shot more threatening. Korean soccer fans were outraged by the unfair positioning of the free kick. Even Korean Football Association (KFA) officials on the field protested. But the call didn’t change.

South Korea conceded two more goals after the goal and lost 0-3.

“It was an important goal and a great free kick that gave Japan the win,” said AFC. It was a great trajectory that Korea’s goalkeeper Hong Sung-min (Pohang Steel) couldn’t stop even with his hands outstretched.”

Gaku’s goal is in second place with 25 percent of the vote in the midterm tally.

Among the eight nominees is South Korea’s Baek In-woo (Yongin Football Center U18). Baek scored the game-winning goal in the 31st minute of the quarterfinals against Uzbekistan on a low free kick. Baek’s goal received 8% of the votes.