Urawa could not hold on until the end. Asian football has once again collapsed in front of the world.
Urawa Red Diamonds played hard against Inter Milan, the UEFA Champions League runner-up, scoring the opening goal in the Group F match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held on the 22nd (Korean time) at Lumen Field in Seattle, USA. However, they conceded a heartbreaking last-minute goal during stoppage time in the second half, losing the match 1-2.
It's their second consecutive defeat. Following a 1-3 crushing loss to River Plate (Argentina), they also showcased a lack of stamina that day. On the same day, Ulsan was also overwhelmed by Brazilian champion Fluminense, losing 2-4 and confirming their elimination from the group stage. It was a collective collapse of Asian champions.
The start was not bad. In the 11th minute of the first half, Ryoma Watanabe's shot shook the Inter net. It was the opening goal that penetrated European's top goalkeeper Jan Sommer. Inter was taken aback. Urawa's defense throughout the first half was nearly flawless, managing to prevent even a single effective shot from Inter.
However, the momentum changed in the second half. Urawa's compact defense was shaken by Lautaro Martinez's volley in the 33rd minute of the second half, and they ultimately collapsed, conceding the winning goal to Valentín Carboni during stoppage time.
Japanese media also hung their heads. 'Soccer Digest' expressed sorrow, noting, "Despite a thorough defense, they ultimately conceded a goal. The gap with the world has become evident. In the 2nd minute of stoppage time, it was a heartbreaking concession."
"Inter Milan was also not at their best. Although injuries plagued them, the reality is they still couldn't win. They were overwhelming from the build-up. This is the difference between the world and the J-League," they noted.
The players also shed tears. Goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa said, "We all said we would try to block it together, but we couldn't stop that last shot. The fact that we lost is the most brutal part."
Watanabe, the scorer of the opening goal, also said, "It was good until the opening goal. But there were gaps. In the second half, there were moments I couldn't finish," hanging his head.
Now, all that remains is to restore pride. Urawa is set to face Monterrey (Mexico) in their final match on the 26th. However, Monterrey is a strong team that drew with Inter.
Still, Urawa raised their heads. Nishikawa stated, "We cannot return to Japan like this. We will definitely win. This regret will make us stronger," while Watanabe expressed determination, saying, "We will definitely take the remaining match. The second half for the J-League will begin."
Like Ulsan, as the strongholds of Asian football continue to crumble, they are once again feeling the wall with the world.
[OSEN]