Yongin: South Korea and Japan are set to face off in a crucial match this week with the East Asian men’s football title on the line. The eagerly anticipated final of the 10th East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship will commence at 7:24 p.m. on Tuesday at Yongin Mireu Stadium, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, both South Korea and Japan have emerged victorious in their first two matches of the tournament. South Korea secured wins over China and Hong Kong with scores of 3-0 and 2-0, respectively, while Japan recorded a 6-1 victory over Hong Kong and a 2-0 win over China. Japan currently holds an advantage in goal difference, standing at +7 compared to South Korea’s +5. This means Japan can clinch their second consecutive EAFF title with just a draw, while South Korea needs a win to claim their sixth title.
In recent history, Japan finished second to South Korea in 2017 and 2019, but managed to turn the tables by winning on home soil i
n 2022. South Korea’s head coach, Hong Myung-bo, has experimented with different formations and starting lineups in their initial matches. With a squad of 26 players, 12 of whom are making their international debuts, Hong aims to find an optimal lineup for the decisive match against Japan.
Five South Korean players have contributed to their goal tally, including veterans like 35-year-old Joo Min-kyu and younger talents like 21-year-old Kang Sang-yoon. The squad largely comprises players from the domestic K League 1, with a few from Japan’s J1 League, as Hong assesses potential candidates for next year’s FIFA World Cup. The match against Japan is seen as a significant test for South Korea’s relatively untested defense.
Japan’s offensive strength has been highlighted by Ryo Germain, who scored four goals against Hong Kong in his international debut. Other contributors include Sho Inagaki, Sota Nakamura, Mao Hosoya, and Henry Heroki Mochizuki. Additionally, Taisei Miyashiro, a leading scorer in the J1 League t
his season, poses a significant threat.
Historically, South Korea has an edge over Japan with 42 wins, 23 draws, and 16 losses. However, Japan has won the past two encounters with identical scores of 3-0, adding to the intensity and anticipation surrounding this upcoming clash.