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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
EAFF E-1 Men Preview: South Korea vs. Japan Title Decider
The 2025 men's EAFF E-1 Football Championship will be decided on Tuesday when South Korea take on Japan. The Taeguk Warriors are looking to reclaim the title they lost to Japan in 2022 and extend their record to six overall, while the Samurai Blue are looking to make it back-to-back titles for the first time. Advertisement (Photo by) Overview & Match Information Fixture: South Korea vs. Japan Competition: EAFF E-1 Football Championship Matchday 3 Venue: Yongin Mireu Stadium, Yongin Date: Tuesday 15th July, 7:24 PM KST It's the big one, the 'Han-Il Jeon,' South Korea versus Japan, two rivals locking horns in a competitive match for the first time since the 2022 competition decider. Korea, as the host nation, will be under a bit of pressure to beat Japan, but with something of a psychological advantage after the resounding 3-0 win in 2022, not to mention convincing performances in their first two matches. Advertisement EAFF E-1 Form South Korea are yet to concede a goal, having kept clean sheets against both China and Hong Kong. The 3-0 victory over China to start the competition was then followed up by a 2-0 win over Hong Kong with a heavily rotated starting XI. Hong Kong 0-2 South Korea Highlights Japan are the tournament's top scorers, having hit Hong Kong for six in the first game thanks in part to four goals in the first half from Ryo Germain. The 6-1 triumph was followed up by a routine win over China, thanks to goals from Mao Hoseyo and Henry Heroki Mochizuki. Japan 2-0 China Highlights Head-to-Head Japan have won the last two meetings, both by the same 3-0 scoreline. The most recent was the 2022 EAFF E-1 title decider with Yuki Soma, Sho Sasaki, and Shuto Machino on target. Before that, in March 2021, Japan ran out 3-0 in a friendly thanks to goals from Miki Yamane, Daichi Kamada, and Wataru Endo. Before that, Korea had remained unbeaten in three against Japan with back-to-back wins in the 2017 and 2019 EAFF competitions. Advertisement In EAFF action, there have been 15 total encounters with Japan earning six wins, Korea four, and five draws. Overall, from 71 meetings, Korea have 36 wins, Japan have 17, with 18 draws. South Korea in Focus with Seo Bo-won How have Korea's performances been in the first two games? First of all, Coach Hong Myung-bo utilized a back-three formation, likely with strong opponents at the World Cup in mind. However, since he adopted a more defensive back-three against China in the first match and a more attacking version against Hong Kong in the second, this could indicate a focus on tactical flexibility. Of course, simply using wingers as wing-backs doesn't necessarily equate to being 'flexible,' but at the very least, it shows an effort to address the lack of a Plan B, which the national team struggled with during the third round of World Cup qualifiers. That said, it's a bit concerning that against Hong Kong, players seemed to focus on personal showcases rather than team play. They clearly see this tournament as their last chance to make the final World Cup squad and are playing with urgency, but at times their style appears a bit selfish. Still, the two clean-sheet wins are a satisfactory result. Advertisement Japan next in a big game that will decide the tournament, what are you expecting to see from Hong Myung-bo tactically? While Japan seems to be treating this tournament as a true 'testing ground,' Korea has taken a less experimental approach in terms of squad selection and match management. This makes it harder to predict what tactics Japan might bring, but regardless, Korea needs a proactive approach that doesn't shrink in the face of pressure. I believe this is the best way to truly assess the gap in quality between the two teams. If Coach Hong shares this view, we're likely to see a match with intense physical duels and fast-paced passing to draw out that contrast. Given the hot and humid conditions, I expect both teams will try to decide the game in the first half, and experiment with new options in the second half when the tempo drops. Korea lost 3-0 to Japan in the last EAFF. What went wrong in that game, and what do Korea need to do this time? In the last edition of this tournament, Paulo Bento's Korean team couldn't even approach Japan's penalty area. That's how good Hajime Moriyasu's Japan was in terms of ball possession, compactness, and especially their rapid ball progression. Rather than blaming Bento's tactics, I'd say Japan simply played extremely well. In this tournament, too, they've maintained that same tactical identity. The midfielders and wingers combine smoothly to create space, and they've had no problem breaking down deep-lying defensive teams like Hong Kong. What's more, Moriyasu's side now has continuity—and that's where I see the real difference in quality. Advertisement Who will be Korea's key players against Japan? That's quite a tough question… But I would say Lee Dong-gyeong is the most likely key player. Whether or not he can get enough touches on the ball could determine the direction of the match. In fact, for Lee Dong-gyeong to get those touches, Kim Jin-gyu needs to establish a strong presence in midfield. Both players will play crucial roles against Japan. If Lee Dong-gyeong can get the ball in the final third, I believe we might even be able to take the initiative in the match. He has become a more creative player and currently looks to have the sharpest shooting instincts. - Korean football journalistSeo Bo-won The Opposition with Sean Carroll (Photo by) What have you thought of Japan's performances so far? I think they've been steady but unspectacular. With a lot of uncapped players (and, in Yuto Nagatomo, one who just made his first appearance for 950 days) and having started with two totally different XIs in their two games, that's perhaps to be expected, though. Overall, they've still managed to control both games, but the Korea game will be the real test. Advertisement Who have been their most important players? That's a tricky one on account of the rotation. Yuki Soma has looked a level above on his third straight appearance in the competition, Satoshi Tanaka impressed in central midfield against China, and both Ryo Germain and Mao Hosoya have shown they can finish up front. Who will be key for Japan to get the win? It sounds obvious, but I think the centre backs and strikers. I expect it to be a game of few chances, so there's no room for errors at the back or profligacy in front of goal. They will have the psychological advantage over Korea after the last meeting. Could this lead to complacency? How seriously are Japan taking this competition, and generally, how seriously does the JFA take it? I'm not sure the last game really factors into it, as the squads are so different. Moriyasu takes every game seriously and will be demanding the same of his players, and while overseas players obviously can't be called up, I get the impression the JFA see this tournament as a useful exercise to run the rule over players not ordinarily afforded the opportunity to play for their country. Advertisement It depends who starts to an extent (Keisuke Osako looks certain to be in goal for instance, so if his Sanfrecce Hiroshima teammate Hayato Araki is in the back three, that will negate the issue a little), but the fact that there is no existing partnership at centre back means Korea could cause problems there. - Japanese football expert & journalist Sean Carroll What to Watch With Japan's superior goal difference (7-5), Korea will have to win to secure the title; a draw won't do and would mean Japan make it back-to-back titles for the first time. This means Korea will have to attack and will have to pick their moments. Japan's quick passing and deadliness in transitions could prove fatal if Korea go in all guns blazing and leave themselves exposed. Central midfield selection will be key, players who can go box-to-box while in attack, Korea will have to be clinical. Joo Min-kyu might just be the man for Hong Myung-bo looks to to lead the line, as he did against China.
Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
FIFA World Cup 2026 status check: As Uzbekistan, Jordan create history, a look at all teams that have qualified so far
Three more teams confirmed their spots at the expanded 2026 Fifa World Cup as Uzbekistan, Jordan and South Korea booked their ticks on Thursday. Uzbekistan and Jordan qualified for the men's Fifa World Cup for the first time in history, while South Korea sealed their 11th straight appearance. The 2026 World Cup will have a record 48 teams in the tournament to be co-hosted the United States, Mexico and Canada. History for Uzbekistan & Jordan A 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi was enough for Uzbekistan to take the second automatic qualification spot in Group A behind Iran with a game to spare. The Central Asian team and fans celebrated together at the end and had goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to thank for a number of important saves. As well as the six automatic qualifiers from Asia, the UAE and Qatar, who defeated the already-qualified Iran 1-0, will finish third and fourth and advance to the next stage, where six teams will compete for two more places at the 2026 World Cup. In Group B, South Korea won 2-0 in Iraq to clinch its place. The Taeguk Warriors were helped by Ali Al-Hamadi's first-half red card, given to the Ipswich Town striker for a high kick. Kim Jin-gyu put Korea ahead just after the hour, and the victory was sealed by Oh Hyeon-gyu eight minutes from the end. It was also enough for Jordan, who earlier beat Oman 3-0 to clinch a place in the top two. All three goals were scored by Ali Olwan. Group C saw China eliminated after a 1-0 loss to Indonesia in Jakarta. Elsewhere in the group, a last-minute goal from Aziz Behich gave Australia a 1-0 win over Japan, already qualified, in Perth to put the Socceroos within touching distance of a sixth straight World Cup appearance. How does qualification work for 2028? Forty-three teams will get their spots through the various continental qualifying pathways. Out of these, Asia will have eight direct berths and one in the intercontinental playoff. Africa has nine direct spots plus one for the intercontinental playoff. North and Central America, plus the Caribbean get three direct berths (plus the three host nations) and another two spots in the intercontinental playoffs. South America has six direct spots and will send another team to the intercontinental playoffs. Oceania for the first time has a guaranteed spot — New Zealand clinched that in March. It could add another with New Caledonia going into the intercontinental playoffs. Europe will have 16 spots, typically the continent with the most representation. Another two will secure their berths in the international playoffs featuring six teams and scheduled for March 2026. Which teams have qualified so far? Host nations (automatic qualification): United States, Mexico, Canada From Asia: Japan (qualified on March 20), Iran (qualified on March 25), Jordan (qualified on June 5), South Korea (qualified on June 5), Uzbekistan (qualified on June 5) From Oceania: New Zealand (qualified on March 24) From South America: Argentina (qualified on March 25). (With Reuters and AP inputs)
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Uzbekistan and Jordan qualify for World Cup for first time, South Korea also clinches
Uzbekistan and Jordan qualified for the men's World Cup for the first time on Thursday (June 5, 2025), while South Korea sealed its 11th straight appearance. A 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi was enough for Uzbekistan to take the second automatic qualification spot in Group A behind Iran with a game to spare. The Central Asian team and fans celebrated together at the end and had goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to thank for a number of important saves. As well as the six automatic qualifiers from Asia, the UAE and Qatar, who defeated the already-qualified Iran 1-0, will finish third and fourth and advance to the next stage, where six teams will compete for two more places at the 2026 World Cup. In Group B, South Korea won 2-0 in Iraq to clinch its place. The Taeguk Warriors were helped by Ali Al-Hamadi's first-half red card, given to the Ipswich Town striker for a high kick. Kim Jin-gyu put Korea ahead just after the hour, and the victory was sealed by Oh Hyeon-gyu eight minutes from the end. It was also enough for Jordan, which earlier beat Oman 3-0 to clinch a place in the top two. All three goals were scored by Ali Olwan. The Palestinian team stayed in contention for the top four with a 2-0 win over Kuwait. Group C saw China eliminated after a 1-0 loss to Indonesia in Jakarta. A first-half penalty from Ole Romeny was enough to keep out China, whose sole appearance was in 2002 Indonesia, coached by Patrick Kluivert, took the lead just before the break when Romeny converted from the penalty spot. Elsewhere in the group, a last-minute goal from Aziz Behich gave Australia a 1-0 win over Japan, already qualified, in Perth to put the Socceroos within touching distance of a sixth straight World Cup appearance. In the 90th minute, Riley McGree broke free down the right and pulled back for Behich to curl home to bring Perth Stadium to its feet and give Australia its first win over Japan in 16 years. 'It hasn't sunk in just yet but when the final whistle went it was a great feeling,' Behich said. 'It was a tough game and we had to grind it out. It's been a long campaign and we have worked so hard.' Australia has to avoid a five-goal defeat in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to be sure after the west Asian team won 2-0 in Bahrain. (AP) UNG
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
South Korea's Son bemoans poor pitches after another World Cup home draw
Captain Son Heung-min believes poor pitches have contributed to South Korea's stuttering World Cup qualifying campaign after the Taeguk Warriors were held to two home 1-1 draws in the March international window. South Korea still top Group B by three points after the draws with Oman in Goyang last Thursday and Jordan in Suwon on Tuesday but would have booked their ticket to the finals had they won either game. The matches were moved to regional cities because of poor pitch conditions at the Seoul World Cup Stadium but Son clearly did not find the surfaces in Goyang and Suwon much better. "I think there's a reason why we've had better results in away matches," the Tottenham Hotspur forward told Yonhap News Agency. "When we're at home, we're supposed to enjoy the best playing conditions possible, but things have not improved at all. "I know we can play better than this, but when conditions on our home soil get in the way, then I wonder where we should get our home field advantage. "I know this may sound like an excuse, but every small detail matters in football. It can make the difference of getting one point or getting three points. I hope people will pay closer attention to it." South Korea will secure their place in the finals for the 11th successive World Cup if they avoid defeat when they play Iraq in Basra on June 5 before returning home for their final round-three qualifier against Kuwait on June 10. Son said the South Korean players should humbly accept the lessons of the Jordan draw but added that he would be urging his younger teammates to hold their heads high. "Despite this disappointment, we're still leading our group and that's a fact. We want to stay there until the end of the round," he said. "For our young players, it can be an honour to play for the country but it can also put a lot of pressure on them. "I told them if we just keep working at it, we will finish in first place. I think the most important thing for these young guys is not to lose their confidence."
Reuters
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
South Korea's Son bemoans poor pitches after another World Cup home draw
SEOUL, March 26 (Reuters) - Captain Son Heung-min believes poor pitches have contributed to South Korea's stuttering World Cup qualifying campaign after the Taeguk Warriors were held to two home 1-1 draws in the March international window. South Korea still top Group B by three points after the draws with Oman in Goyang last Thursday and Jordan in Suwon on Tuesday but would have booked their ticket to the finals had they won either game. The matches were moved to regional cities because of poor pitch conditions at the Seoul World Cup Stadium but Son clearly did not find the surfaces in Goyang and Suwon much better. "I think there's a reason why we've had better results in away matches," the Tottenham Hotspur forward told Yonhap News Agency. "When we're at home, we're supposed to enjoy the best playing conditions possible, but things have not improved at all. "I know we can play better than this, but when conditions on our home soil get in the way, then I wonder where we should get our home field advantage. "I know this may sound like an excuse, but every small detail matters in football. It can make the difference of getting one point or getting three points. I hope people will pay closer attention to it." South Korea will secure their place in the finals for the 11th successive World Cup if they avoid defeat when they play Iraq in Basra on June 5 before returning home for their final round-three qualifier against Kuwait on June 10. Son said the South Korean players should humbly accept the lessons of the Jordan draw but added that he would be urging his younger teammates to hold their heads high. "Despite this disappointment, we're still leading our group and that's a fact. We want to stay there until the end of the round," he said. "For our young players, it can be an honour to play for the country but it can also put a lot of pressure on them. "I told them if we just keep working at it, we will finish in first place. I think the most important thing for these young guys is not to lose their confidence."
