The Japan U-17 national team has successfully passed the group stage in a dramatic fashion, while Dani Daichi (19, Sagan Tosu), known as the son of famous South Korean singer Kim Jeong-min, is gaining attention.

Japan suffered a 2-3 comeback loss against Australia in the final match of Group B of the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-17 Asian Cup held on the 11th (Korean time) in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

However, at the same time, the UAE drew 1-1 with Vietnam, allowing Japan to succeed in advancing to the quarterfinals as group winners based on goal difference, and securing a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals to be held in November.

After a fierce rankings battle, Japan, the UAE, and Australia all recorded 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss (with 4 points), but Japan ranked first in the group due to superior goal difference and goals scored. The UAE and Australia were tied in goal difference and goals scored, and UAE secured second place based on their head-to-head victory.

In that game, Dani Daichi was substituted in at the 41st minute of the second half and scored a goal with his left foot just 8 minutes later in the box. Although the team lost, Dani's goal left a strong impression, and local Japanese media and fans reacted enthusiastically to his scoring instincts.

Dani Daichi is a dual national born to a South Korean father (Kim Jeong-min) and a Japanese mother. In Korea, he was active in the youth team of FC Seoul (Osan Middle School) under the name 'Kim Do-yun,' and later moved to study in Japan with the youth team of Sagan Tosu, where he currently plays for the J League's Sagan Tosu U-18 team.

He has consistently been selected for Japan's age-level national teams and was regarded as a key scoring asset even before this tournament. Last year, he emerged as the top scorer in the AFC qualifiers, scoring in every match.

Dani had not received opportunities to play recently due to conditioning issues, but he proved his presence by scoring a valuable goal against Australia. After the match, he remarked, "It was mentally very tough since I missed the previous two games. I prepared with the mindset that this could be my last chance," and recalled, "The space was narrow, and it was hard to score unless it was one-touch. I really reached out with the mindset that I might die."

He continued, "I wanted to prove that I am needed. Although it was a short time, I had confidence that I could do enough. I wanted to show everyone that it is possible if I give it my all."

Japanese media outlet Gekisaka reported that "Dani unleashed a powerful shot. The match against Australia will be recorded as the game where the sleeping tiger woke up," focusing on his comeback.

Soccer Digest emphasized that "Dani is a typical striker who creates goals in various ways. He may be Japan's only hope," noting that "his height of 184 cm and scoring ability are tremendous assets to the team."

Fans are also showing great interest. Soccer Digest quoted fan reactions, stating, "Choosing South Korean nationality entails military service obligations, which is a significant risk for a soccer player," and "I hope he continues to contribute to Japanese soccer," along with comments like "The military issue is the most realistic factor."

Dani also holds South Korean nationality, so there is a possibility that the Korea Football Association may propose naturalization in the future. However, he has considerable experience playing for Japan, and due to the realistic issue of military service, the prevailing outlook is that the likelihood of him playing for the South Korean national team is low.

Meanwhile, if Japan wins against Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals, and if South Korea also wins in the quarterfinals, a Korea-Japan match will take place in the semifinals. In this case, Dani Daichi will face South Korea as a representative of his mother's country, Japan. The South Korean national team, led by head coach Baek Gi-tae, is expected to particularly keep an eye on Dani's prowess.

[OSEN]