The 2025 East Asian Cup has officially concluded, with Japan’s national men’s team once again showcasing their dominance by winning all three matches to defend their title successfully.
In the final round’s highlight clash, Japan defeated South Korea 1-0, sealing their consecutive championship and further solidifying their position as a powerhouse in East Asian football.
Japan Edges Out Korea in a Tight Contest
The highly anticipated match between Japan and South Korea began with high intensity. Early in the match, Korean player Na Sang-ho narrowly missed the opportunity to take the lead after striking the post with a powerful shot.
In the 8th minute, Japan responded quickly on the counterattack; Yuki Soma cut in from the right. He delivered a precise cross, allowing Ryo Germain to smash in a brilliant volley and put Japan ahead.
In the second half, South Korea intensified their offensive pressure. It created multiple scoring opportunities, but they were unable to break through Japan’s solid defence.
Japan remained composed at the back and ultimately held on for a 1-0 win, completing a flawless campaign with three straight victories and lifting the trophy.
China Claims Third Place
South Korea concluded the tournament with two wins and one loss, accumulating six points and finishing in second place. China, on the other hand, had a rocky start, losing 0-3 to Korea and 0-2 to Japan in the first two rounds.
Fortunately, in the final match against Hong Kong, China secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a precise assist from Zhang Yuning in the 20th minute, which Huang Zhengyu converted for the team’s first goal of the tournament.
The win earned China three points and third place. Hong Kong, having lost all three matches, finished at the bottom of the table.
Notably, China has not beaten Japan in an official match since 1998, a 27-year drought that remains unbroken to date. This persistent record highlights the continued gap in overall strength and footballing systems between the two nations.
Coaches and Players Emphasize Youth Development
After the tournament, China’s interim head coach, Dejan Djurdjevic, remarked that the team is currently undergoing a transitional phase, emphasizing the importance of integrating young players into the national setup.
“This tournament has revealed some promising young talents, which is a very positive signal for Chinese football. We hope the national team will have the courage to continue using and nurturing these players to open a new path forward,” he said.
Veteran goalkeeper Yan Junling also commented that the team’s main goals were to provide experience for young players and help them adapt to the pace of international competition, both of which are essential for China’s future tournament performance.
Looking Ahead: A Competitive Future for East Asian Football
This year’s East Asian Cup showcased Japan’s strength and consistency and reflected the transitional states of other teams. South Korea, despite not winning the title, demonstrated solid competitiveness.
China, meanwhile, found hope in the emergence of younger players. However, there remains significant room for improvement in tactics and match experience.
The competition among East Asian nations remains fierce, and such high-level clashes are bound to push each team forward. Looking ahead to the next East Asian Cup, all teams will strive to return stronger and more prepared as they continue battling for regional supremacy.
