Yongin: South Korea narrowly missed out on clinching their sixth East Asian men's football title at home, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against Japan in the final match. The decisive goal was netted by Ryo Germain in the eighth minute during the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship held at Yongin Mireu Stadium, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Seoul.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Japan, ranked 17th in the world, emerged victorious in the four-nation tournament, securing nine points. They previously defeated Hong Kong 6-1 and China 2-0. South Korea, on the other hand, finished as runners-up with six points, having won against China 3-0 and Hong Kong 2-0 in front of a crowd of 18,418 fans.

This tournament marked the 10th edition of the premier EAFF competition, with Japan now boasting three titles, just two behind South Korea. South Korea, ranked 23rd, faced a must-win scenario, whereas Japan only needed a draw due to their two-goal advantage over South Korea in goal difference heading into the match.

The historical record now stands at 42 wins, 23 draws, and 17 losses for South Korea against Japan, with this being the first time South Korea has lost three consecutive matches to Japan. In these three victories, Japan has outscored South Korea 7-0.