Korea Republic are through to the last 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after ending Argentina’s unblemished start with a deserved 2-1 win in Tychy.

La Albiceleste advance as group winners all the same due to a superior goal difference but, after having it all their own way in their opening two matches, found themselves outplayed and outgunned tonight.

The Asian champions created the better chances in a physical, fast-paced game, and only a desperate goal-line clearance from Maximiliano Centurion prevented Cho Youngwook firing them into a 25th-minute lead.

The breakthrough came three minutes before half-time, though, when Oh Sehun crashed home an unstoppable header from Lee Kangin’s tantalising left-footed cross.

Argentina pushed for an equaliser but made little headway and the outcome never looked in doubt after Cho swept Korea Republic’s second into the roof of the net following a fine run on the left by the lively Jeong Hojin.

Cristian Ferrera did pull a goal back two minutes from time with a speculative long-range shot that deceived keeper Lee Gwangyeon, but it was to prove too little, too late for the South American hopefuls.

Korea Republic now go on to face continental rivals Japan in the Round of 16, while Argentina till take on Mali.