Korean soccer suffered its first-ever three consecutive losses to Japan.
The men's national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, lost 0-1 to its rival Japan in the third match of the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship (East Asian Cup) held at Yongin Mir Stadium at 7:24 p.m. on the 15th, failing to reclaim the championship trophy.
Japan, with three wins in the tournament, achieved its third title overall. Japan defeated Korea on home soil and secured its second consecutive title. Korea still holds the record for the most championships with five victories but has fallen behind Japan in two consecutive tournaments.
Korea struggled throughout the match due to Japan's pressure. In the 7th minute of the first half, Korea experienced misfortune when Na Sang-ho's right-footed shot hit the post.
Japan did not miss its chance. In a following counterattack, Ryo Germain's volley shot became the opening goal. Although Korea had four defenders against two Japanese attackers, no one was able to block the shot.
In the second half, Lee Ho-jae came on as a substitute and attempted a scissors kick, but it was saved by the goalkeeper. Ultimately, Korea lost both in terms of performance and result at home.
After the match, head coach Hong Myung-bo had a different perspective when meeting with reporters. He claimed that while Korea lost the game, it performed better overall.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo noted, “Today, our players performed well as we prepared. The result is disappointing, and the goals conceded are regrettable. Other than that, overall, the players showed good performance. The attitude the players demonstrated during this training camp was excellent.”
Coach Hong cited the three-back experiment as a success. He said, “We have a definite Plan A. We need a Plan B for the global stage. There is no time to waste in the September match. We prepared sufficiently with domestic players in this tournament. We saw competitive players. There are players who showed advantages and necessities in each position.”
For the first time in Korean soccer history, Korea has suffered three consecutive losses to Japan. Japanese players defeated Korea as a team and individually.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo said, “To be honest, I have also been in Japan for a long time. I am comparing and analyzing soccer in both countries. (Japan) has a different education for learning soccer from a young age. There are unavoidable aspects. Japan has maintained consistency since the 1990s, regardless of wins or losses. We do not think we are lacking. The national team, as well as the entire Korean soccer, needs a lot of effort.”
A Japanese reporter requested an evaluation of the Japanese national team. Head coach Hong Myung-bo stated, “I think our players performed better. Of course, there were some moments, but (Japan's attack) did not threaten our defense. We were ahead in ball possession and number of shots. In specific moments, (Japan's attack) did not trouble our defenders,” asserting that Korea demonstrated superiority over Japan.
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