The Japan national team coach expressed more concern for Korean football.
The men's national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, lost 0-1 to their rival Japan in the third match of the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship (East Asian Cup) on the 15th at 7:24 p.m. at Yongin Mir Stadium, failing to reclaim the championship trophy.
With three wins in the tournament, Japan achieved its third overall victory. Japan secured its second consecutive championship by defeating the home nation, Korea. Although Korea still holds the record for the most championships with five victories, it has been eclipsed by Japan in the last two tournaments.
After the match, Hajime Moriyasu, the Japan national team coach, noted, "Our players performed well as a team, not individually. We took the championship title representing the Japanese people. Both Korea and Japan fought well in a good match. Korea played well, and coach Hong Myung-bo is a good coach. Korea has made us stronger by doing well."
Japan achieved its first three consecutive victories over Korea. Coach Moriyasu stated, "Although Japan has achieved three consecutive victories, two of those matches were under the previous coach (Paulo Bento). Korea has strong physicality and good skills. Technically, they are fast and strong. I do not want to share Korea's weaknesses," showing respect for Korea.
Coach Moriyasu expressed concern for the runner-up coach Hong Myung-bo. He mentioned, "I have also lost to Korea in the final held in Busan. I know well what the atmosphere of a Korea-Japan match is like. After losing to Korea in a Korea-Japan match, I received massive criticism from the Japanese media. I hope that the media in both countries not only criticize but also support football. Korea and Japan are good rivals. I hope we can develop for each other and maintain our rivalry to become stronger together," offering kind words.
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