"Can you only do that against us?".
The Japanese national football team, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, defeated China 2-0 in the second match of the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship held at Yongin Mir Stadium on the afternoon of the 12th.
With this victory, Japan recorded 2 wins (6 points), matching the points of Korea, which also secured a win on the same day. However, Japan took the lead based on goal difference (+7), ahead of Korea (+5).
The upcoming match against Korea on the 15th has effectively become a do-or-die match for the championship.
On the other hand, China has recognized its reality after losing to Korea (0-3) and now Japan (0-2).
Conversely, China experienced consecutive defeats, first against Korea (0-3) and then Japan (0-2), realizing the gap with the top tier of Asian football. The match was also one-sided; Japan scored the opening goal within the first 10 minutes and added another in the second half while comfortably managing the game. Although China increased possession and attempted a counterattack, they ultimately failed to score due to a lack of decisiveness near the box.
Despite the consecutive losses against Korea and Japan, Chinese outlet 'Zhibo.com' provided a positive assessment, noting they had "discovered new talent." The outlet remarked, "Japan barely won against China, and it was due to luck. If they perform like this, it will be difficult for them in the World Cup," scolding Japan.
This is because Japan has set a goal of winning the World Cup. While Japan's chances of winning the World Cup seem somewhat low, they achieved notable performances against Germany and Spain last season, and they are a team that has reached the round of 16 in back-to-back away tournaments, leading to predominant criticism of China's scolding.
Nonetheless, Zhibo.com criticized Japan, asserting, "Players like Zhang Yuning showed good performances, and there's no need to feel ashamed of losing since they're in the rebuilding phase."
Furthermore, they stated, "It's true that the Chinese national team lacks technical skills, but their attitude and approach can be highly evaluated. The team's image and style have also improved," adding, "A 0-2 result is disappointing compared to their performance. They can grow more in the future."
China was completely defeated without showing any form against Korea and Japan. Nevertheless, local media diluted the significance of the defeat and scolded Japan, stating, "With this kind of performance, they cannot win the World Cup."
Once again, China found meaning in their defeat, claiming, "We found significance despite the loss." As long as they do not acknowledge the gap with the top Asian teams, the future of Chinese football does not look bright.
This reflects the current state of Chinese football, characterized by self-comfort and mental victories, mixed with blame on others.
[OSEN]